Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 5.djvu/362

 112 STAT. 3120 PUBLIC LAW 105-332—OCT. 31, 1998 "(6) provide equal access, to the full range of technical preparation programs, to individuals who are members of special populations, including the development of tech-prep program services appropriate to the needs of special populations; and "(7) provide for preparatory services that assist participants in tech-prep programs. "(d) ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES. —Each tech-prep program may— "(1) provide for the acquisition of tech-prep program equipment; "(2) acquire technical assistance from State or local entities that have designed, established, and operated tech-prep programs that have effectively used educational technology and distance learning in the delivery of curricula and services and in the articulation process; and "(3) establish articulation agreements with institutions of higher education, labor organizations, or businesses located inside or outside the State and served by the consortium, especially with regard to using distance learning and educational technology to provide for the delivery of services and programs. 20 USC 2374. " SEC. 205. CONSORTIUM APPLICATIONS. "(a) IN GENERAL.— Each consortium that desires to receive a grant under this title shall submit an application to the eligible agency at such time and in such manner as the eligible agency shall prescribe. "(b) PLAN.— Each application submitted under this section shall contain a 5-year plan for the development and implementation of tech-prep programs under this title, which plan shall be reviewed after the second year of the plan. "(c) APPROVAL.— The eligible agency shall approve applications based on the potential of the activities described in the application to create an effective tech-prep program. "(d) SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.— The eligible agency, as appropriate, shall give special consideration to applications that— "(1) provide for effective employment placement activities or the transfer of students to baccalaureate degree programs; "(2) are developed in consultation with business, industry, institutions of higher education, and labor organizations; "(3) address effectively the issues of school dropout prevention and reentry and the needs of special populations; "(4) provide education and training in areas or skills in which there are significant workforce shortages, including the information technology industry; and "(5) demonstrate how tech-prep programs will help students meet high academic and employability competencies. "(e) EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF ASSISTANCE. — In awarding grants under this title, the eligible agency shall ensure an equitable distribution of assistance between urban and rural consortium participants. 20 USC 2375. "SEC. 206, REPORT. "Each eligible agency that receives a grant under this title annually shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a report on the effectiveness of the tech-prep programs assisted under this title, including a description of how grants were awarded within the State. .„

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