SB21-119 Summary

• Expands the Career Development Success Program to increase access to industry-recognized credentials, workplace training programs, and advanced placement courses for Colorado high school students in grades 9-12.

• Requires credentials to have labor market value aligned with high-skill, high-wage, in-demand occupations as defined by Colorado's state plan for the federal Perkins V Act, with removal of programs lacking demonstrated labor market value.

• Establishes a "top ten" list of industry-recognized credentials beginning in the 2022-23 school year, with the Department of Education identifying state content standards and course alignments for each credential.

• Requires participating districts and charter schools to disaggregate program completion data by student race, ethnicity, gender, disability status, English language learner status, and free or reduced-price lunch eligibility to track equity.

• Appropriates $20,000 to the Department of Education for the 2021-22 fiscal year to implement the program expansion, with funding up to $1,000 per student who completes a qualified program.