20-7-320. State-level strengthening career and technology student organizations. (1) There is a state-level strengthening career and technology student organizations program.

(2) The purposes of the program are to:

(a) strengthen Montana's career and technology student organizations by increasing graduation rates, enhancing student leadership opportunities, developing workforce skills, and facilitating transitions to postsecondary education and employment for all participating students;

(b) ensure alignment of activities of local career and technology student organizations with nationally affiliated programs and activities; and

(c) provide a base of funding for the statewide coordination of state-approved career and technology student organizations.

(3) To be eligible for funding under this section, each state-approved career and technology student organization must be affiliated with a respective national career and technology student organization and be appropriately incorporated as a Montana nonprofit organization in compliance with state law and regulations regarding operations and financial reporting by May 1, 2013.

(4) The superintendent of public instruction shall distribute funds appropriated for grants to state-approved career and technology student organizations by November 1. Each grant recipient must receive a base amount of funding to support the position of state director for the organization.

(5) The superintendent of public instruction shall supervise and coordinate the program by establishing procedures and criteria for review and approval of grants to state-approved career and technology student organizations.

(6) Proposals submitted to the superintendent of public instruction by career and technology student organizations must contain:

(a) a program description, including measurable objectives;

(b) evidence of hiring a state director and a plan for expanding student leadership skills;

(c) evidence of appropriate activities that will serve to achieve the program objectives; and

(d) a method to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

(7) Career and technology student organizations may request assistance from the staff of the superintendent of public instruction in formulating program proposals.

(8) Additional or remaining funds appropriated for the purposes of this section may be allocated to state-approved career and technology student organizations pursuant to policies adopted under 20-7-301.

(9) As used in this section, "career and technology student organization" means an organization for students enrolled in a state-approved career and technology program that engages in career and technology education activities as an integral part of the instructional program.