School boards or community college boards may establish or enter into contracts with public or private agencies for approved programs which provide essential academic and employability skills needed to obtain gainful employment for hard core dropout youth between the ages of 16 and 21 years who are no longer enrolled in school, including necessary support services.
     Pursuant to appropriation, the Board may award grants for the establishment and operation of such programs which are contained within the area adult education plans as required under this Act. Such grants, to the extent practicable, shall be based upon student performance outcomes of academic achievement and attendance as well as the extent of contributions to such programs by proposed recipients. The Board shall promulgate rules for the administration of grants and the operation and evaluation of such programs.