Approve Quick Response Training Grant Application Submissions by the Adult Technical Education Department, and if Approved Accept Grant Funds, 2008/2009- approximately $800,000 (Adult Technical Education)

We request approval to submit Quick Response Training grant applications to Workforce Florida, Inc., for the 2008/2009 school year to obtain grant funds to provide for start-up and upgrade training for relocating or expanding businesses. These grants support the District's continuing commitment to enhance economic development; and the applications are developed in concert with the Committee of 100 of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Florida Statute 288.047 (3) established the Quick Response Training Program in 1993 to meet the workforce skill needs of new or expanding businesses. Annually, the applications reflect an average funding need of approximately $800,000 in Hillsborough County to support the cost of specialized training for each company for a 24-month period. Florida’s Quick Response Training Grant is a three-party partnership among Workforce Florida, Inc., the company, and the designated local education agency (LEA) which serves as a fiscal agent. Since Aparicio-Levy Technical Center will serve as the training provider, the School District of Hillsborough County is the appropriate LEA.

* Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce

The District retains five percent of the total grant award for serving as the fiscal agent. Additionally, grant funds pay for training provided to the companies by the Adult Technical Centers.

Performance evaluation measures are determined by Workforce Florida, Inc. The results of the evaluation are shared with all stakeholders.