FL H1183

Creates the Florida National Guard Youth Challenge Program as a community-based initiative jointly administered by Clay County School District, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children and Family Services, and Florida National Guard, located at Camp Blanding Military Reservation.

Establishes eligibility requirements for the program: high school dropouts ages 16-19 with no felony convictions and drug-free status, requiring 22-week residential component plus 12-month post-residential mentorship.

Mandates program curriculum include core academics (mathematics, communications, science, social studies, literature), occupational or technical studies, physical training, leadership development, community volunteerism, and internships or employment.

Creates the GED exit option as alternative graduation pathway for students in the Youth Challenge Program or approved Department of Juvenile Justice programs, allowing exemption from standard graduation requirements upon passing GED test and grade 10 FCAT.

Allows school districts to award high school equivalency diplomas and permits schools to earn additional grade points beginning in 2010-2011 school year if significant percentages of students earn equivalency diplomas instead of standard diplomas.