FL S2016

Establishes the Florida National Guard Youth Challenge Program at Camp Blanding Military Reservation, jointly administered by Clay County School District, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children and Family Services, and Florida National Guard to train and mentor high school dropouts ages 16-19 with no felony convictions

Requires a 22-week residential component plus 12-month post-residential mentorship with instruction in core academics (mathematics, communications, science, social studies, literature), occupational or technical studies, physical training, leadership development, community volunteerism, and internships or employment

Creates General Education Development (GED) exit option allowing students in the Youth Challenge Program or approved Department of Juvenile Justice programs to earn a standard high school diploma by passing the GED test and grade 10 FCAT assessments instead of traditional graduation requirements

Authorizes district school boards to award high school equivalency diplomas and allows currently enrolled K-12 students to participate in programs leading to equivalency diplomas under conditions established by the State Board of Education

Allows schools to earn additional points toward their grade if a significant percentage of students earn high school equivalency diplomas, with potential greater weight for diplomas earned by currently enrolled K-12 students