OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 633

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MENTORING PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the Higher Education and Education departments to establish an academic services program for minority males enrolled in high schools and higher education institutions in the state. The departments must do so within existing budgetary resources or by using competitive grant funds obtained through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. They must take all feasible steps to get the maximum amount of federal funds possible to support the program.

The program must provide (1) mentoring and (2) education and job training and support. The departments must establish criteria for teachers offering these services under the program. Each higher education institution and school district must select teachers to participate in the program based on these criteria.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

Legislative History

The Senate referred the bill (File 301) on April 9 to the Appropriations Committee, which reported a substitute that requires the departments to establish the program within existing budgetary resources, rather than within available appropriations, or by using federal stimulus competitive grant funds.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute

Appropriations Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute