CT HB05833

Board of Regents for Higher Education shall establish a pilot program by January 1, 2020 to expand advanced manufacturing certificate programs to public high schools, selecting no more than one school per year.

Selection criteria prioritize areas with workforce needs in advanced manufacturing, economically distressed municipalities, limited access to existing programs, and sufficient school space.

Funding sources include public-private partnerships, grant programs, federal funds, state workforce investment boards, the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund, and the Labor Department's apprenticeship office.

Beginning fall 2020, programs shall enroll grade 11-12 students to earn simultaneous high school and college credits plus manufacturing certificates, and may enroll adults for evening and weekend classes with local board approval.

Board of Regents president must report annually by January 1, 2021 to legislative committees on program operation, effectiveness, and expansion recommendations.