Approve Renewal Contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families for Career Recruitment and Instruction in Basic English (CARIBE) Program for Adult Refugees, Contract #LK763, 2006-2008 - $2,800,000 (Adult and Community Education)

The Career Recruitment and Instruction in Basic English (CARIBE) Program was initiated in the district in 1998 with grant funds to provide educational services to recent refugees and political asylees.

A renewal two-year Standard Contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families for the period August 1, 2006, through July 31, 2008, for $2,800,000 has been developed to provide continued programs in English language and workplace readiness skills. The CARIBE program includes classrooms and computer laboratories at Erwin Technical Center, McDill Columbus Learning Lab, and Hope Bible Church. The technical training is available at Erwin, Learey, Brewster, and Tampa Bay Technical Centers. The CARIBE program has grown from 561 enrollments in 1998 to 6,400 enrollments last year and this successful program is used as a model for the state of Florida as it has more than twice the state average in program literacy and occupational completion points. A program summary, 2006/2007 budget, and the renewal contract are attached.

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

This renewal contract with the Department of Children and Families is for two years with total funds of $2,800,000. The first year funds total $1,600,000 and will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget. Indirect costs are included in the budget.

October 31, 2007 - Evaluation will include review of all enrollment data for eligibility of enrollees, program completions, and literacy completion points.