(a) (1) The department shall select grantees to participate in the 21st Century High School After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens program from among applicants that apply on forms and in a manner prescribed by the department. To the extent possible, the selection of applicants by the department shall result in an equitable distribution of grant awards to applicants in northern, southern, and central California, and in urban and rural areas of the state.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(A) “Central California” means California County Superintendents Educational Services Association regions five to eight, inclusive.

(B) “Northern California” means California County Superintendents Educational Services Association regions one to four, inclusive.

(C) “Southern California” means California County Superintendents Educational Services Association regions 9 to 11, inclusive.

(D) “Urban and rural areas” shall be as defined by the United States Census Bureau.

(b) The department shall consider the following criteria in awarding grants:

(1) Strength of the educational element and coordination with state academic standards and other academic interventions.

(2) Strength of the enrichment element.

(3) Evidence of community collaboration, including demonstrated support of the principal and staff from participating schools.

(4) A description of the manner in which programs will provide a safe physical and emotional environment and opportunities for relationship building, and promote active pupil engagement.

(5) A description of the manner in which the program design will be periodically reexamined in order to maintain strong pupil interest.

(6) A description of plans to attract pupils, particularly pupils considered at promise or in need of academic support, on a regular basis.

(c) The application shall certify all of the following:

(1) Completion of an assessment of pupils’ preferences for program activities.

(2) Access to, and availability of, computers and technology.

(3) Inclusion of a nutritional snack, meal, or both, and a physical activity element.

(4) That the program will meet all of the evaluation requirements.

(5) Fiscal accountability.

(6) Collection and use of pupil social, behavioral, or skill development data collection to support quality program improvement processes. These pupil data outcomes may relate to specific social-emotional competencies, including, but not necessarily limited to, social skills, self-control, academic mindset, perseverance, conflict resolution, and school connectedness.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 800, Sec. 4. (AB 413) Effective January 1, 2020.)