FL H1409

Establishes the Talent and Economic Advancement Matching Grant Program administered by the Department of Education to incentivize businesses to partner with eligible postsecondary institutions and provide grants to students in high-skill, high-wage fields.

Eligible institutions are those licensed by the Commission for Independent Education and accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency, and may offer grants for certificate or degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, allied health, or other high-skill occupations identified by the State Board of Education.

Businesses may make contributions to eligible institutions that the state will match on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with matching funds allocated on a first-come, first-served basis up to 25 percent of total appropriated funds per institution.

Students must enroll for at least six credit hours per term in eligible programs and meet general eligibility requirements; grant awards cannot exceed $4,000 per year or the estimated annual cost of attendance, with institutions required to provide additional support to veterans and military family members.

Participating institutions must certify business contributions, report annually on participating businesses and programs funded, return undisbursed amounts by June 1 each year, and face ineligibility if they fail to comply with certification requirements.