(a) (1) The Trust, in consultation with the Corps Board, shall make grants to qualified organizations for the creation or expansion of full– and part–time Chesapeake Conservation Corps Programs, that involve citizens of all ages throughout the State, to carry out this part.
(2) Corps programs shall engage and develop volunteers and stipend volunteers in environmental and energy conservation projects.
(3) Eligible Corps Program expenses include personnel costs, stipends, supplies, and other materials for projects undertaken by Corps Program volunteers.
(b) The Trust, in consultation with the Corps Board, shall develop guidelines for evaluating applications from qualified organizations.
(c) The guidelines developed in accordance with subsection (b) of this section shall:
(1) Consider the capability of the qualified organization to carry out Corps programs or projects;
(2) Encourage and consider multiyear, multipartner proposals, local match, cost–sharing agreements, and in–kind match as factors in evaluating Corps Program grant applications; and
(3) Require grant applications to describe how the qualifying organization intends to:
(i) Assess the skills of Corps Program volunteers;
(ii) Provide life skills and work skills training;
(iii) Provide training and education, in addition to the training provided as a part of the main Corps Program;
(iv) Develop, where relevant, agreements for academic study with:
1. Local education agencies;
2. Community colleges;
3. 4–year colleges;
4. Area charter high schools and vocational–technical schools; and
5. Community–based organizations;
(v) Provide career and educational guidance;
(vi) Recruit participants without high school diplomas; and
(vii) Recruit retired and semi–retired seniors and other qualified individuals with relevant experience to train Corps Program volunteers and participate in Corps projects by volunteering their experience and skills.
(d) A grant agreement regarding funds from the Trust shall:
(1) Specify the allowed use of the funds provided under the grant, including accountability measures and performance requirements;
(2) Take into account the need for efficient multiyear funding and administration of the funds; and
(3) Include provisions for verification that Corps programs and projects are being implemented as planned.