Last week during the State Board of Education’s virtual September meeting, the Board approved a new rule to implement the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program, created under Senate Bill 7032 (2024).
This bill was passed to provide an alternative educational pathway for individuals ages 16 to 21, who have dropped out of high school and do not have a diploma or additional education. The bill also created subsequent funding programs for Florida’s technical colleges and Florida College System (FCS) institutions who would like to partner together under this program. The GATE program reflects several of FCAN’s conditions of success, including multiple pathways to success and affordability.
Students who enroll in this program would participate in an adult secondary education program and subsequent career education program, at no cost to them. The respective education providers are responsible for providing the related tuition and fee waivers.
The rule specifies that the career education program must be tied to the state’s Master Credentials List, a list of non-degree programs provided by school districts and FCS institutions that lead to in-demand occupations. Students must complete both education programs within three years; however, the rule provides a process for extensions should the student experience any extenuating circumstances that will affect their completion timeline.
Under the new rule, school districts and FCS institutions that wish to offer the GATE program must submit a program notification to the Division of Career and Adult Education, under the Department of Education, prior to delivering this educational program.
Participating institutions are responsible for submitting annual reports on student completion of the high school equivalency diploma, student completion of the career education program (selected under the GATE program enrollment), and the industry certifications earned, as well as other related metrics.
More information on the new rule can be found here.