MN HF2678

Establishes Early Learning Scholarship Program effective July 1, 2013, providing scholarships up to $8,000 per child annually to eligible families for quality child care and early education services through licensed providers, Head Start programs, and school readiness programs.

Creates fiber optic infrastructure grant program for public school districts with $200,000,000 in state bond proceeds funding to bridge the gap between federal E-Rate funding and total costs of fiber optic infrastructure projects supporting 21st century learning capacity.

Expands career and technical education access by allowing 9th and 10th grade students to enroll in postsecondary courses (previously limited to 11th-12th grade), establishing consortia for concurrent enrollment pathways leading to industry credentials, and removing recruitment restrictions on postsecondary institutions.

Establishes Minnesota Gap Scholarship program for first two years of postsecondary education for students eligible for federal Pell grants or state grants, covering full cost of attendance after deducting other financial aid awards.

Modifies school aid payment schedule to increase the current year aid payment percentage from 60% in fiscal year 2012-2013 to 90% by increasing two percentage points annually, implementing repayment of the school aid payment shift.