HB2039 Summary

• Establishes the College and Career Coaches Program to assist students in preparing for postsecondary education or careers, with priority access for middle and high schools in Tier 3 and Tier 4 counties.

• Requires college and career coaches to hold a baccalaureate degree and complete career development facilitator training within one year; coaches are stationed at institutions of higher education, education service cooperatives, or non-profit organizations.

• Coaches provide services including developing college and career plans starting in grade 7, assisting with financial aid preparation, promoting career and technology education opportunities, and coordinating community resources for career development activities.

• The Department of Career Education, in partnership with the Departments of Education and Higher Education, administers the program; on-site supervisors evaluate coach performance and serve as liaisons with the Department of Career Education.

• Program effectiveness is measured by tracking increases in high school graduation rates, Smart Core curriculum completion, college attendance rates, remediation rates, and financial aid applications; data is reported to the Department of Career Education on January 1 and August 1 each year.