HI SB298

Establishes a Workforce Readiness Program within the Department of Education to enable high school students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an industry-recognized associate's degree.

Designates schools serving grades 9-12 with dual credit courses to participate, requiring integration of high school and college coursework with mentoring, internships, job shadowing, and pre-apprenticeship training focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Requires the Department of Education to coordinate with the University of Hawaii and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and contract with industry employers near school complexes to develop and implement the program.

Appropriates an unspecified sum from general revenues for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to fund the program, including hiring of full-time equivalent positions.

Takes effect July 1, 2112.