Education programs that Governor Ron DeSantis is asking for approval for apparently need around $75 million. The $75 million required will be taken off the coronavirus relief funds. Governor Ron DeSantis is now asking lawmakers to approve creating two workforce education programs – the Governor’s aim is to create a pathway to help people get job certificates and credentials.
On Monday, DeSantis spoke at a news conference in Melbourne and pitched using the money to launch what he’s calling the “Get There Faster Initiatives.”
The proposed programs, one to serve high school students and another for adults, is aimed at speeding up pathways to receiving certificates and credentials for jobs.
$50 million in federal money is recommended by Governor Ron DeSantis to go toward covering costs for high school students to participate in workforce college-credit or career dual-enrollment programs at state colleges and technical colleges.
The other $25 million would be allocated toward helping adults enroll in workforce education programs at the institutions.
“It will also support adults needing to enter a high-quality training program to acquire a job-ready credential of value,” a news release from the governor’s office said.
Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, who appeared with Governor DeSantis, said the initiative could help the nearly 1.8 million adults in Florida who don’t have high-school diplomas.
“Whatever it is that’s keeping you from getting that credential of value, we’re going to cover it,” Corcoran said.
Governor Ron DeSantis said he would rather work with the Legislature to get the programs off the ground than do so through executive action.