,i #aagth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ijgi ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,september #bi1 #bjbb,mr4 ,smith of ,washington introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,education and ,labor ,a ,,bill ,to direct the ,secretary of ,education to establish a program to facilitate the transition to tuition-free community college in certain ,states1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,community and ,technical ,college ,investment ,act of #bjbb4 7b7 ,table of contents ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,title ,i--,tuition-,free ,community ,college,sec4 #aja4 ,tuition-free community college grant program4,sec4 #ajb4 ,applications4,sec4 #ajc4 ,grant uses4,sec4 #ajd4 ,reports4,sec4 #aje4 ,authorization of appropriations4,sec4 #ajf4 ,definitions4,title ,,ii--,institutional ,capacity,sec4 #bja4 ,institutional capacity and wraparound service support grant program4,sec4 #bjb4 ,application4,sec4 #bjc4 ,selection committee4,sec4 #bjd4 ,grant uses4,sec4 #bje4 ,reports4,sec4 #bjf4 ,authorization of appropriations4,sec4 #bjg4 ,definitions4,title ,,iii--,emergency ,funds for ,students,sec4 #cja4 ,emergency grant fund program4,sec4 #cjb4 ,application4,sec4 #cjc4 ,grant uses4,sec4 #cjd4 ,data collection4,sec4 #cje4 ,authorization of appropriations4,title ,,iv--,technical ,assistance,sec4 #dja4 ,technical assistance grant program4,sec4 #djb4 ,application4,sec4 #djc4 ,grant uses4,sec4 #djd4 ,reports4,sec4 #dje4 ,authorization of appropriations4,title ,v--,definitions,sec4 #eja4 ,definitions4 ,i ,tuition-,free ,community ,college #aja4 ,tuition-free community college grant program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a program to provide grants to each ,state that submits a complete application to facilitate tuition-free community college for all eligible students4 7b7 ,grant amounts ,the ,secretary shall determine grant amounts under subsection 7a7 with respect to each ,state based on the following3 7#a7 ,statewide unemployment and underemployment rates that are #a percentage point above the national average4 7#b7 ,the number of local educational agencies in a ,state that elect to receive special assistance payments under section #aa7;a77#a77;,f7 of the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agei;a7a77#a77;,f74 7#c7 ,a ,statewide official poverty rate that is #a percentage point above the national average4 7c7 ,funds 7#a7 ,timing ,a grant under this title shall be awarded for a period of #e years1 of which-- 7,a7 a maximum of #a year may be used for planning2 and 7,b7 a minimum of #d years shall be used for implementation4 7#b7 ,federal cost share ,the ,federal cost share of an activity carried out with a grant under subparagraph 7a7 shall not be less than #ajj percent for costs incurred during the #e-year grant period described in paragraph 7#a74 #ajb4 ,applications ,to be eligible for a grant under this title1 a ,state shall submit to the ,secretary an application in such form1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,secretary determines appropriate1 including a ,state plan describing the following3 7#a7 ,interagency committee 7,a7 ,in general ,a plan to formalize an interagency committee within such ,state to-- 7i7 evaluate gaps and opportunities in the ,state workforce1 higher education1 childcare1 and human services systems2 and 7ii7 maximize ,federal and ,state resources to support pathway development that increases economic mobility and recognized postsecondary credential attainment4 7,b7 ,membership ,an assurance that such committee shall consist of members from the following entities3 7i7 ,state board4 7ii7 ,state unemployment insurance agency4 7iii7 ,office of the ,state higher education executive officer and public college boards4 7iv7 ,state community college system4 7v7 ,state departments of health and human services4 7vi7 ,state departments of economic development4 7vii7 ,other relevant ,state agencies as determined by the ,governor of such ,state4 7#b7 ,education alignment ,a plan to-- 7,a7 with respect to eligible individuals without a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent1 facilitate the completion of such diploma or recognized equivalent at a community college2 7,b7 ensure that credits received for ,advanced ,placement or ,international ,baccalaureate classes are applied to an equivalent community college course2 and 7,c7 otherwise align the requirements between secondary schools and community colleges in order to increase the accessibility of community college for eligible individuals4 7#c7 ,development ,a plan to-- 7,a7 improve career pathway development1 with special attention to career pathways related to in-demand industry sectors or occupations described in paragraph 7#i72 7,b7 increase economic mobility of ,state residents2 and 7,c7 provide access to affordable postsecondary education for ,state residents through a network of coordinated ,state and ,federal support systems designed and implemented by ,state agencies4 7#d7 ,credential attainment ,a plan to prioritize secondary and recognized postsecondary credential attainment through-- 7,a7 integrated education and training models2 7,b7 dual enrollment programs2 and 7,c7 an increased number of navigators4 7#e7 ,priority ,a plan to prioritize assistance to individuals-- 7,a7 with a barrier to employment2 or 7,b7 with incomes below #bjj percent of the poverty level4 7#f7 ,public resources ,a plan to maximize public resources to support the attainment of a recognized postsecondary credential1 including with respect to-- 7,a7 transportation2 7,b7 on-campus or off-campus housing2 and 7,c7 childcare4 7#g7 ,outreach ,a plan to reach eligible individuals without a recognized postsecondary credential1 including with respect to individuals who-- 7,a7 live in high-poverty areas2 7,b7 are first-generation students2 7,c7 are low-income students2 and 7,d7 identify as belonging to other underrepresented student groups4 7#h7 ,recognized postsecondary credential retention and completion ,a plan to increase retention and credential completion by-- 7,a7 developing new1 or expanding existing1 degree and credential programs based on the needs of in-demand industry sectors or occupations described in paragraph 7#i72 and 7,b7 increasing the number of career counselors and navigators4 7#i7 ,in-demand industry sectors or occupations ,a plan to-- 7,a7 identify in-demand industry sectors or occupations in such ,state2 and 7,b7 develop and provide access to pathways to credential and degree programs for jobs in such industries1 giving priority to credential and degree programs that correspond to high-quality jobs in consultation with-- 7i7 the ,state board2 7ii7 the ,state health and human services agency2 7iii7 the ,state board of higher education2 and 7iv7 business industry groups within the ,state4 7#aj7 ,federal programs 7,a7 ,in general ,a description of how the ,state will use amounts under covered programs1 to the extent otherwise permitted by law1 to reduce eligibility and participation requirement barriers in such programs in order to-- 7i7 treat the pursuit of a recognized postsecondary credential as meeting any compliance1 work participation1 and core activity requirements for each such program2 and 7ii7 increase access to and completion of recognized postsecondary credential programs4 7,b7 ,covered programs defined ,in this paragraph1 the term covered programs means-- 7i7 the temporary assistance for needy families program under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja72 7ii7 the supplemental nutrition assistance program employment and training program under section #f of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjae72 and 7iii7 the child care development fund under the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq474 7#aa7 ,cost analyses ,cost analyses for-- 7,a7 providing tuition-free community and technical college pathways to individuals who have not attained-- 7i7 a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent2 or 7ii7 a recognized postsecondary credential2 and 7,b7 expanding institutional capacity to meet an increased demand for recognized postsecondary credentials by expanding supportive services1 including with respect to hiring additional-- 7i7 career counselors2 7ii7 navigators2 and 7iii7 other support staff4 7#ab7 ,data collection ,a plan for data collection efforts to measure program outcomes and evaluate program success1 including by leveraging existing administrative data to track any change in participation in recognized postsecondary credential programs at community colleges4 7#ac7 ,data sharing ,a ,state shall-- 7,a7 provide an interagency data sharing agreement that facilitates statewide data collection efforts between-- 7i7 ,state agencies that oversee the dispersal of ,state and ,federal benefits2 7ii7 the ,state educational agency2 7iii7 the ,state higher education system2 7iv7 the ,state board2 and 7v7 other agencies determined by the ,secretary to be necessary2 and 7,b7 detail how such agreement will promote cross-agency collaboration and improve recognized postsecondary credential completion4 7#ad7 ,transfer agreements 7,a7 ,in general ,a description of-- 7i7 transfer agreements between #b-year and #d-year public institutions of higher education in such ,state2 and 7ii7 the ways in which the ,state will expand the number of transfer agreements1 including with respect to the facilitation and improvement of credit transfers between institutions4 7,b7 ,transfer agreement ,an assurance that the transfer agreement required under subparagraph 7,a77i7 shall include1 at a minimum-- 7i7 a general education curriculum that consists of not fewer than #cj credit hours that are transferrable to any public institution of higher education in such ,state2 7ii7 common course numbering for substantively similar courses in such general education curriculum2 and 7iii7 assurance that an eligible associate's degree shall be fully transferrable to1 and credited as1 the first #b years of a related baccalaureate program at a public institution of higher education in such ,state4 #ajc4 ,grant uses ,a ,state shall use grant funds awarded under this title for the following3 7#a7 ,implementing the ,state plan submitted under section #ajb4 7#b7 ,ensuring that eligible students enrolled in community colleges-- 7,a7 are not charged tuition or fees2 and 7,b7 are not required to apply financial assistance to tuition or fees4 #ajd4 ,reports 7a7 ,annual report ,not later than #a year after the date on which a grant is made under this title1 and annually thereafter1 a ,state shall submit to the ,secretary a report describing-- 7#a7 the uses of funds2 7#b7 progress made in fulfilling the requirements under section #ajc2 7#c7 rates of-- 7,a7 graduation and attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials at participating community colleges2 and 7,b7 transfer to #d-year institutions at participating community colleges2 and 7#d7 other information determined by the ,secretary to be necessary4 7b7 ,certification 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date on which a ,state receives a grant under this title1 such ,state shall provide certification of implementation of the-- 7,a7 education alignment plan required under section #ajb7b72 and 7,b7 transfer agreements required under section #ajb7ad74 7#b7 ,failure to certify ,if a ,state does not provide the certification required under paragraph 7#a71 such ,state shall submit to the ,secretary-- 7,a7 a report describing the reasons for the failure of such ,state to provide certification2 and 7,b7 a plan to ensure that1 not later than #e years after the date on which the ,state received a grant under this title1 such ,state will provide such certification4 7c7 ,sustaining funds ,not later than #ahj days after the date that is the conclusion of the #e-year grant period described in section #aja7;c71 a ,state shall submit a report to the ,secretary describing-- 7#a7 the ways in which such ,state will sustain a tuition-free community college model2 and 7#b7 the amount of ,federal assistance needed to sustain the model described in paragraph 7#a74 #aje4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this title for fiscal year #bjbc and each of the #d succeeding fiscal years4 #ajf4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,business industry group ,the term business industry group means an organization that represents businesses 7including small businesses71 individual employers1 industry clusters1 and individuals from-- 7,a7 business or trade organizations2 7,b7 economic development organizations2 7,c7 nonprofit organizations1 community-based organizations1 or intermediaries2 7,d7 philanthropic organizations2 7,e7 industry associations2 or 7,f7 other organizations determined necessary by the ,state4 7#b7 ,eligible associate's degree ,the term eligible associate's degree means an associate's degree that-- 7,a7 is in an academic major in the arts or sciences2 7,b7 is awarded by a public institution of higher education in a ,state2 and 7,c7 is awarded on or after the date that is not later than #c years after the date on which the ,state first received a grant under this ,act4 7#c7 ,high-quality job ,the term high-quality job means a job with-- 7,a7 wages and benefits in the top #bj percent for the relevant industry or occupation2 7,b7 access to training and advancement opportunities2 7,c7 paid sick leave2 7,d7 paid family leave2 and 7,e7 paid medical leave or short-term disability leave4 7#d7 ,navigator ,the term navigator means an individual who is integrated into the existing community college operation and who works with students to-- 7,a7 understand the eligibility of such students for ,federal1 ,state1 and local financial aid and benefit options2 7,b7 assist such students with the application process for such options2 and 7,c7 connect students with resources on campus and in the community4 ,,ii ,institutional ,capacity #bja4 ,institutional capacity and wraparound service support grant program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a program to award grants to each eligible ,state that submits a complete application under section #bjb to provide institutional capacity and wraparound service support with respect to the implementation of tuition-free community college under title ,i4 7b7 ,grant amounts ,the ,secretary shall determine grant amounts under subsection 7a7 with respect to each eligible ,state based on the following3 7#a7 ,the cost analysis required under section #bjb7a74 7#b7 ,the number of adults in such ,state without a secondary credential or recognized postsecondary credential4 7#c7 ,the number of adults in such ,state with a recognized postsecondary credential that is not an associate or baccalaureate degree4 7#d7 ,the unemployment rate in such ,state4 #bjb4 ,application ,to be eligible for a grant under this title1 an eligible ,state shall submit to the ,secretary an application in such form1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,secretary determines appropriate1 including-- 7#a7 a cost analysis for1 with respect to community colleges-- 7,a7 the expansion of institutional capacity2 and 7,b7 the provision of wraparound services for students2 7#b7 a plan detailing how the ,state will award subgrants in accordance with section #bjd7;b7 among-- 7,a7 community colleges that are located in geographic areas that serve local educational agencies that participate1 through the community eligibility provision authorized by the ,healthy1 ,hunger-free ,kids ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ageh note et seq47 in-- 7i7 the national school lunch program under the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agea et seq472 and 7ii7 the school breakfast program under the ,child ,nutrition ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agga et seq472 7,b7 community colleges that are located in geographic areas with #dj percent of the population at or below the ,federal poverty line2 7,c7 institutions of higher education with admissions rates of #ej percent or higher2 7,d7 institutions that are eligible to receive a grant under part ,a or ,b of title ,,iii or title ,v of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja et seq471 including-- 7i7 historically ,black colleges or universities2 7ii7 ,hispanic-serving institutions2 7iii7 ,tribal colleges or universities2 7iv7 minority-serving institutions2 and 7v7 rural-serving institutions of higher education4 #bjc4 ,selection committee 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a selection committee to review each application and award grants under this title4 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall determine the number of members1 of whom not less than #ej percent-- 7,a7 may not be employed by the ,federal ,government2 7,b7 shall have relevant research or practical experience with respect to student support programs2 7,c7 shall have relevant research or practical experience with respect to designing and implementing tuition-free community college programs2 and 7,d7 shall identify as belonging to an underrepresented group in higher education1 including-- 7i7 ,african ,americans2 7ii7 ,hispanics2 7iii7 ,native ,americans2 7iv7 ,alaska ,natives2 7v7 ,asian ,americans2 and 7vi7 ,native ,american ,pacific ,islanders1 including ,native ,hawaiians4 7#b7 ,conflicts of interest ,with respect to each application1 a member having a conflict of interest may not review such application4 #bjd4 ,grant uses 7a7 ,in general ,an eligible ,state shall use grant funds awarded under this title to award subgrants to eligible institutions in accordance with subsection 7b74 7b7 ,subgrants 7#a7 ,in general ,an eligible ,state shall award subgrants to eligible institutions4 7#b7 ,eligible institution defined ,in this subsection1 the term eligible institution means an institution-- 7,a7 listed in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 of section #bjb7b72 and 7,b7 located in the eligible ,state4 7#c7 ,application ,an eligible institution seeking a subgrant under this subsection shall submit to the eligible ,state an application in such form1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,state may require4 7#d7 ,subgrant uses ,an eligible institution that receives a subgrant under this subsection shall use such subgrant funds for implementing activities and services that improve retention and completion of recognized postsecondary credentials1 including-- 7,a7 identifying and addressing the needs of students1 including affordable housing1 childcare1 transportation1 and food2 7,b7 supporting the work of navigators1 including-- 7i7 providing information to students with respect to eligibility for assistance under other ,federal1 ,state1 and institutional assistance programs2 and 7ii7 connecting students with on-campus and off-campus supportive services2 7,c7 hiring additional staff2 7,d7 increasing access to supportive services by centralizing such services on-campus2 7,e7 offering additional scheduling options for classes with respect to the day1 time1 and location of such classes2 7,f7 improving the transfer of credits between institutions of higher education1 including community colleges2 7,g7 expanding pathways related to in-demand industry sectors or occupations2 and 7,h7 providing access to technology1 including-- 7i7 digital literacy courses2 7ii7 computers2 7iii7 software2 and 7iv7 other equipment necessary to attain a recognized postsecondary credential4 #bje4 ,reports 7a7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date on which a grant is made under this title1 and annually thereafter1 an eligible ,state shall submit to the ,secretary a report describing-- 7,a7 the uses of funds under this title2 7,b7 progress made in fulfilling the requirements of the grant2 7,c7 with respect to participating community colleges1 rates of-- 7i7 graduation2 7ii7 transfer2 and 7iii7 attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials2 7,d7 the institutional reports submitted under subsection 7b72 7,e7 the ways in which the ,state is communicating with institutions to-- 7i7 understand the barriers of students1 with respect to eligibility and access1 to public supports2 and 7ii7 use the information described in subparagraph 7,a7 to inform any changes2 7,f7 the ways in which the ,state human services agency and ,state board are aligning the policy goals of such agencies with the policy goals of the ,state higher education agency2 7,g7 changes in completion of secondary and postsecondary degrees for target eligible students2 7,h7 changes in access to1 and use of1 public benefits2 7,i7 changes in employment with respect to in-demand industry sectors and high-quality jobs2 7,j7 changes in rates of unemployment and underemployment2 7,k7 other data as provided by the ,state2 and 7,l7 other data as required by the ,secretary2 7#b7 ,disaggregation ,the information described in subparagraphs 7,g7 through 7,k7 shall be disaggregated1 where possible1 by-- 7,a7 race2 7,b7 ethnicity2 and 7,c7 income level4 7b7 ,institution report ,not later than #a year after receiving a subgrant under section #bjd7;b71 an on an annual basis thereafter1 an institution shall submit to the ,state a report describing-- 7#a7 the uses of funds2 7#b7 with respect to the period beginning on the date on which a subgrant was received and ending on the date on which the report is submitted1 changes in rates of-- 7,a7 retention2 and 7,b7 graduation2 7#c7 the ways in which such institution increased awareness of1 and access to1 public supports made available through ,state agencies2 and 7#d7 the ways in which such institution made improvements to tracking data with respect to-- 7,a7 the basic needs of students2 7,b7 the financial barriers of students2 and 7,c7 the connection of students to public supports4 #bjf4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this title for fiscal year #bjbc and each of the #d succeeding fiscal years4 #bjg4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,eligible ,state ,the term eligible ,state means a ,state that is a recipient of a grant under title ,i4 7#b7 ,,hea terms 7,a7 ,hispanic-serving institution ,the term ,hispanic-serving institution has the meaning given such term in section #ejb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja;a74 7,b7 ,historically ,black college or university ,the term historically ,black college or university has the meaning given the term part ,b institution in section #cbb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfa74 7,c7 ,minority-serving institution ,the term minority-serving institution includes the entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#g7 of section #cga7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfgq7a774 7,d7 ,tribal college or university ,the term ,tribal college or university has the meaning given such term in section #caf7;b7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajei;c7b774 7,e7 ,rural-serving institution of higher education ,the term rural-serving institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section #hfa7;b7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #aafaq7b774 ,,iii ,emergency ,funds for ,students #cja4 ,emergency grant fund program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a program to provide grants to each ,state that submits a complete application to provide emergency aid subgrants to eligible students enrolled at a public institution of higher education4 7b7 ,funds 7#a7 ,timing ,a grant under this title shall be awarded for a period of #e years4 7#b7 ,administration ,not more than #bj percent of funds awarded under this title may be used for the administration of emergency aid at institutions of higher education4 7#c7 ,direct aid ,not less than #hj percent of funds awarded under this title shall be used to award emergency aid subgrants to eligible students4 7c7 ,eligible student defined ,in this title1 the term eligible student means a student enrolled at a public institution of higher education1 without regard to whether such student submits an application under section #dhc of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajij71 experiencing financial challenges that may affect the ability of such student to remain enrolled at such institution1 including-- 7#a7 loss of-- 7,a7 employment 7including a temporary loss of employment72 7,b7 transportation2 7,c7 child care2 7,d7 utilities 7including water and electricity72 or 7,e7 housing2 7#b7 food insecurity2 7#c7 with respect to a student or the dependent of such student1 a medical condition or need1 including-- 7,a7 pregnancy2 and 7,b7 mental health conditions2 7#d7 with respect to a student who is a dependent-- 7,a7 the death of a parent or guardian2 or 7,b7 a parent or guardian with a medical condition that results in temporary or permanent loss of employment of such parent or guardian4 #cjb4 ,application ,to be eligible for a grant under this title1 a ,state shall submit to the ,secretary an application in such form1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,secretary determines appropriate1 including-- 7#a7 a data-sharing agreement between the ,state agency administering the program and the institutions of higher education in such ,state2 7#b7 the ways in which such ,state will ensure publicity and availability of emergency aid on campuses of participating institutions of higher education2 7#c7 the estimated amount of funding needed1 based on1 with respect to such ,state-- 7,a7 income distribution of eligible students2 7,b7 the number of open-access and rural institutions2 and 7,c7 poverty rates2 7#d7 the populations of students such ,state will prioritize in awarding subgrants2 7#e7 a description of the ways in which such ,state will administer subgrants1 including with respect to-- 7,a7 responding to applications2 7,b7 approving applications2 and 7,c7 disbursing emergency aid subgrants outside of business hours2 and 7#f7 an assurance that such ,state will notify students enrolled in institutions of higher education in such ,state if such students1 or dependents of such students1 become eligible for assistance under-- 7,a7 the special supplemental nutrition program for women1 infants1 and children under section #ag of the ,child ,nutrition ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aghf72 7,b7 the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 7,c7 the free and reduced price school lunch program under the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agea et seq472 7,d7 the temporary assistance for needy families program under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja72 7,e7 the supplemental security income program under title ,,xvi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq472 7,f7 ,medicaid under title ,,xix of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif et seq472 7,g7 ,federal housing assistance programs under the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg1 including-- 7i7 public housing as defined in section #c7;b7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;a7b772 and 7ii7 tenant-based assistance under section #h7o7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;f7o772 and 7,h7 any other means-tested program determined by the ,secretary to be appropriate4 #cjc4 ,grant uses 7a7 ,in general ,a ,state shall use grant funds awarded under this title to award subgrants to eligible students for emergency aid4 7b7 ,subgrants 7#a7 ,administration ,in awarding subgrants under this subsection1 a ,state may award a contract to a scholarship-granting organization for purposes of-- 7,a7 accepting applications from eligible students2 and 7,b7 disbursing subgrant funds to eligible students4 7#b7 ,applications 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible for a subgrant under this title1 an eligible student shall submit to the ,state an application in such form1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,state determines appropriate4 7,b7 ,appeal ,if an application for an emergency aid subgrant submitted by an eligible student under subparagraph 7,a7 is denied by the ,state1 such student may appeal such denial in a manner to be determined by the ,state4 7#c7 ,notification ,upon receipt of an application from an eligible student under paragraph 7#b71 the ,state shall notify such student of such receipt in a manner to be determined by the ,state4 7#d7 ,funds 7,a7 ,subgrant amounts 7i7 ,eligible students without dependents ,with respect to an academic year1 a subgrant awarded to an eligible student that does not have a dependent may not exceed #a1ejj4 7ii7 ,eligible students with dependents ,with respect to an academic year1 a subgrant awarded to an eligible student with a dependent may not exceed #b1ejj4 7,b7 ,disbursement of funds ,a ,state shall disburse funds to eligible students in a timely manner1 as determined by the ,state4 7,c7 ,federal taxes ,a subgrant under this title may not be considered income for purposes of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 #cjd4 ,data collection ,a ,state that awards subgrants under this title shall collect the following data3 7#a7 ,with respect to each public institution of higher education-- 7,a7 the number and percentage of students receiving emergency aid2 and 7,b7 the average grant amount for each student4 7#b7 ,with respect to each semester or quarter at a public institution of higher education-- 7,a7 rate of retention2 and 7,b7 rate of completion of a recognized secondary credential4 7#c7 ,the grade point averages of students receiving emergency aid subgrants4 7#d7 ,other data reported by the ,state4 7#e7 ,other data required by the ,secretary4 #cje4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this title for fiscal year #bjbc and each of the #d succeeding fiscal years4 ,,iv ,technical ,assistance #dja4 ,technical assistance grant program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a program to provide grants to eligible entities to provide technical assistance to ,states applying for grants under title ,i1 ,,ii1 or ,,iii of this ,act4 7b7 ,eligible entity defined ,in this title1 the term eligible entity means an entity-- 7#a7 that is-- 7,a7 a nonprofit organization2 7,b7 a think tank2 7,c7 a ,state board of education2 7,d7 a research center at an institution of higher education2 or 7,e7 an other entity as determined by the ,secretary2 7#b7 that has expertise with respect to-- 7,a7 developing1 designing1 researching1 or evaluating-- 7i7 tuition-free community college programs2 7ii7 emergency aid programs2 or 7iii7 initiatives addressing the basic needs of students2 or 7,b7 implementing supportive services programs for students2 and 7#c7 that has a demonstrated record of supporting institutions of higher education or ,states with respect to-- 7,a7 the activities described in paragraph 7#b72 and 7,b7 connecting students to public benefits4 #djb4 ,application ,to be eligible for a grant under this title1 an eligible entity shall submit to the ,secretary an application in such form1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 #djc4 ,grant uses ,an eligible entity shall use grant funds awarded under this title for the following3 7#a7 ,assisting ,states with respect to-- 7,a7 the application process for a grant under title ,i1 ,,ii1 or ,,iii of this ,act2 and 7,b7 the development or new1 or expansion or improvement of existing1 tuition-free community college models4 7#b7 ,assisting the ,secretary with respect to-- 7,a7 evaluating applications from ,states for grants under title ,i1 ,,ii1 or ,,iii of this ,act2 and 7,b7 providing feedback to such ,states4 #djd4 ,reports 7a7 ,annual report ,not later than #a year after the date on which a grant is made under this title1 and on an annual basis thereafter1 a ,state receiving assistance from an eligible entity that received a grant under this title shall submit to the ,secretary a report on-- 7#a7 the effectiveness of such assistance1 including1 as applicable1 progress with respect to applying for a grant under this ,act2 and 7#b7 as of the date of the submission of the report1 any outcomes of programs funded by a grant under this ,act and carried out by such ,state1 describing-- 7,a7 any ,federal policies that prevent successful implementation of such programs2 and 7,b7 any recommendations for changes with respect to ,federal policies described in paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,,gao report ,not later than #a year after the date on which each report is submitted under subsection 7a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to ,congress a report on the policy barriers described in subsection 7a77#b71 including policy recommendations based on such barriers4 #dje4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this title for fiscal year #bjbc and each of the #d succeeding fiscal years4 ,v ,definitions #eja4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,community college ,the term community college has the meaning given the term junior or community college in ,section #cab of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajeh74 7#b7 ,eligible student ,the term eligible student means an individual who-- 7,a7 is at least #ah years of age2 7,b7 a resident of the ,state2 and 7,c7 does not have a recognized postsecondary credential4 7#c7 ,,esea terms ,the terms secondary school and ,secretary have the meanings given such terms in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#d7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja74 7#e7 ,,wioa terms 7,a7 ,the terms in-demand industry sector or occupation1 individual with a barrier to employment1 recognized postsecondary credential1 ,state board1 and supportive services have the meanings given such terms in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7,b7 ,the term integrated education and training has the meaning given such term in section #bjc of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cbgb74