MN HF97

Creates a service-learning specialist position in the Department of Education to advance evidence-based service learning, coordinate grant programs, and provide technical assistance to school districts and community partners; effective July 1, 2017.

Establishes a five-year innovative incubator service-learning grant program for early childhood through grade 12 students to increase academic achievement and help close achievement and opportunity gaps.

Awards up to 32 grants of up to $50,000 each to eligible partnerships consisting of school staff, service-learning specialists, and community organizations or government units, equitably distributed by congressional district.

Requires grantees to allocate 50 percent of grant funds to community-based organization or government partners and provide a one-to-one match in funds or in-kind contributions unless waived for high-poverty applicants.

Appropriates $300,000 for fiscal years 2018-2019 for the service-learning specialist position and $800,000 for fiscal years 2018-2019 for innovative service-learning grants; requires interim progress reports by February 15, 2021, and final report by February 15, 2023.