Senate Bill No. 65 establishes the Focus on Alternative Skills Training Program ("FAST"). FAST will provide tuition assistance, to Delaware residents who have obtained a high school diploma, Diploma of Alternate Achievement Standards, or a Delaware secondary credential, which includes earning a GED, and have enrolled in an approved non-degree credit certificate program. The Workforce Development Board will create a list of non-degree credit certificate programs approved for the FAST program.
Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill No. 65 differs from Senate Bill No. 65 as follows:
1. Extends eligibility from 18 to 24 months after an individual graduates from high school.
2. Increases the maximum amount of assistance that an individual may receive from $9,000 to $10,000.
3. Allows tuition payments for up to 12 months instead of 6 months.
4. Requires FAST to be implemented within 6 months of enactment, instead of 1 year.
5. Acknowledges the expected availability of federal funds for FAST.
6. Sunsets FAST 2 years after enactment.