CA SB638

Revises minimum eligibility standards for the California Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Program, effective June 1, 2026, requiring applicants to collaborate with labor and business entities, align career programs with workforce needs and labor market demand, and provide opportunities for underrepresented populations including foster youth, adult learners, and English language learners

Adds "high poverty rate" as a factor for positive consideration when determining grant recipients, defined as areas with poverty rates at least 150% of the statewide rate, alongside the existing high unemployment rate criterion

Requires the California Education Interagency Council to advise on career technical education, college and career pathways, and workforce development, including analyzing labor market data, developing recommendations to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and coordinating learning opportunities across K-12 and postsecondary systems

Expands required data reporting metrics for grant recipients to include pupils earning dual credit, participating in work-based learning, and obtaining industry-recognized credentials, with data disaggregated by race and gender

Encourages grant recipients to develop pathway programs in high-demand careers including green technology, health care, information technology, education, and artificial intelligence