Public service academy grants

(a) Definitions In this section: (1) Enrollment of needy students The term enrollment of needy students has the meaning given the term in section 312(d) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1058(d)). (2) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)). (3) Public service The term public service means civilian employment in the Federal Government or a State, local, or Tribal government in the United States. (4) Public service academy The term public service academy means a leadership development program at an institution of higher education that is designed to prepare students for public service through curricular, extracurricular, experiential learning, and internship programs. (5) Public service academy cost The term public service academy cost means the cost of developing and administering a public service academy at an institution of higher education. (6) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Education. (b) Program authorized The Secretary shall establish and administer a program to issue grants to not more than 50 institutions of higher education, on a competitive basis, to support the development of public service academies— (1) to attract postsecondary students to careers in public service; (2) to promote public service as a career path for younger Americans; (3) to prepare future generations with skills needed in all levels of public service; and (4) to support the Federal Government and State, local, and Tribal governments in their efforts to attract exceptional talent from the Nation’s recent graduates. (c) Grant application An institution of higher education seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include— (1) a plan for the development of a public service academy, including an account of existing curricular, extracurricular, experiential learning, and internship programs at the institution of higher education that would be included in the public service academy, as well as new curricular, extracurricular, experiential learning, and internship programs that would be established with grant funds; (2) an assessment of anticipated costs for the public service academy in each of the first 4 years of operation, including the potential sources of non-Federal funds to be used for the public service academy; and (3) information regarding the enrollment of needy students at the institution of higher education. (d) Selection by competitive process (1) In general The Secretary shall issue grants under this section pursuant to a competitive process and shall establish rules for evaluating applicants and awarding grants under this section. (2) Reservation of funds for certain institutions Of the funds made available for grants under this section, the Secretary shall reserve not less than 50 percent for grants to institutions of higher education that have enrollments of needy students. (3) Equitable geographic distribution of grants To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grants awarded under this section. (e) Duration and amount of Federal grants (1) Duration A grant under this section shall be awarded for a period of not more than 4 years. (2) Certain costs excluded A grant under this section shall not include funds for the cost of any curricular, extracurricular, experiential learning, and internship programs maintained or sponsored by the institution of higher education at the time an application for a grant under this section is made. (3) Amount of grant The amount of the grant may not exceed— (A) 75 percent of the public service academy cost in the first year; and (B) 50 percent of the public service academy cost in each of the second, third, and fourth years. (f) Permissible uses An institution of higher education receiving a grant under this section may use funds from the grant— (1) to develop, expand, and modify curricula to prepare students for careers in public service, including experiential learning components of curricula; (2) to create and administer classroom activities, thesis projects, individual or team projects, internships, degree or certificate programs, or community service activities related to promoting public service and preparing students for careers in public service; (3) to collaborate with government entities, nonprofit organizations, or consortia of such entities and organizations to provide students with public service-related work experiences and introduce students to potential careers upon their graduation; (4) to provide scholarships for students who participate in the public service academy; and (5) to evaluate the effectiveness of the public service academy as it relates to leading participants into careers with local, State, or Federal Government agencies. (g) Annual grantee report A recipient of a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary on an annual basis a comprehensive report on the public service academy supported by the grant and the use of the grant funds to support the academy. The Secretary shall provide guidance on what information shall be included in the report. (h) Congressional reports The Secretary shall— (1) not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act and every 12 months thereafter, submit to Congress a report on the results or outcomes of all public service academies provided grants under this section and the potential need for additional funding for such academies; and (2) in the fourth annual report submitted under paragraph (1), include a recommendation to Congress about whether the grant program under this section should receive continued funding. (i) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.