S. 1998 — Introduced in Senate

II 113th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 1998 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 6, 2014Ms. Hirono (for herself, Mr. Moran, and Mr. Begich) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs A BILL To amend the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act to reserve funds for American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Tribal College or University adult education and literacy. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Native Adult Education and Literacy Act of 2014. 2. American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Tribal College or University adult education and literacy The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9201 et seq.) is amended— (1) in section 203— (A) in paragraph (5)(D), by inserting , including a Tribal College or University after education; (B) in paragraph (15)(B), by striking tribally controlled community college and inserting Tribal College or University; (C) by redesignating paragraph (18) as paragraph (19); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (17) the following: (18) Tribal College or University The term Tribal College or University has the meaning given the term in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)). ; (2) in section 211(a)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking and after the semicolon; (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) shall reserve 2.3 percent to carry out section 244; and ; and (3) by inserting after section 243 the following: 244. American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Tribal College or University adult education and literacy (a) Grants and purpose From the amount reserved under section 211(a)(3) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants to Tribal Colleges or Universities and Native Hawaiian educational organizations— (1) to enable the Tribal Colleges or Universities and Native Hawaiian educational organizations to develop and implement innovative, effective, and replicable programs designed to enhance life skills and transition individuals to employability and postsecondary education; and (2) to provide technical assistance to such colleges, universities, and organizations for program administration. (b) Application To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a Tribal College or University or a Native Hawaiian educational organization shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require. The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, prescribe a simplified and streamlined format for such applications that takes into account the limited number of colleges, universities, and organizations that are eligible for assistance under this section. (c) Grants and contracts Funding shall be awarded under this section to Tribal Colleges or Universities or Native Hawaiian educational organizations on a competitive basis through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements of not less than 3 years in duration. (d) Consideration and inclusion In making awards under this section, the Secretary may take into account the considerations set forth in section 231(e). In no case shall the Secretary make an award to a Tribal College or University or Native Hawaiian educational organization that does not include in its application a description of a multiyear strategy, including performance measures, for increasing the number of adult American Indian, Native Hawaiian, or Alaska Natives that attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent. (e) Eligible activities Activities that may be carried out under a grant awarded under this section shall include— (1) adult education and literacy services, including workplace literacy services; (2) family literacy services; (3) English literacy programs, including limited English proficiency programs; (4) opportunities for American Indians, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives to qualify for a secondary school diploma, or its recognized equivalent; and (5) demonstration and research projects and professional development activities designed to develop and identify the most successful methods and techniques for addressing the educational needs of American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native adults. (f) Definition of Native Hawaiian educational organization The term Native Hawaiian educational organization means a private nonprofit organization that— (1) serves the adult education and literacy needs and interests of Native Hawaiians; (2) has Native Hawaiians in substantive and policymaking positions within the organization; (3) incorporates Native Hawaiian perspective, values, language, culture, and traditions into the core function of the organization; (4) has demonstrated expertise in the education or training of Native Hawaiian children, youth, or adults; and (5) has demonstrated expertise in research and program development. .