Senate committee backs Catalyst Center grant program, recommends $65 million a year from stabilization account

Summary

The Senate Education Committee voted unanimously to recommend first substitute House Bill 447, which would create a statewide grant program to expand 'Catalyst' career and technical education centers; the sponsor and supporters said the program pairs schools with industry and is funded from the state's stabilization account if money is available.

The Senate Education Committee voted to send first substitute House Bill 447, a proposal to establish a statewide “Catalyst” career and technical education (CTE) grant program, to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.

Sponsor Speaker Schultz told the committee the grant would provide up to $65,000,000 per year from the state’s stabilization account to help school districts stand up or expand Catalyst-style CTE centers. “The catalyst programs provides real work based learning experience. It partners with local industry businesses, community organizations,” Schultz said, describing a model he visited in Davis County where students work on industry-defined projects and learn budgeting, deadlines and teamwork.

Supporters told the committee the program is intended to be flexible enough for rural and urban districts, to permit partnerships with technical colleges and universities, and to pay for capital expenditures, feasibility studies, equipment,…

Senate committee backs Catalyst Center grant program, recommends $65 million a year from stabilization account

Summary

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