HI SR85

Request Department of Education to develop a "live, learn, work, and play" program in schools statewide coordinated with University of Hawaii and industry employers to align education with workforce needs.

Workforce readiness initiative should enable students to graduate with high school diploma and industry-recognized associate's degree, earn pre-apprenticeship and industry-recognized certificates, and gain workplace experience through mentoring, job shadowing, and internships.

Department to explore expanding high school education through grade fourteen to integrate high school, college, and certificate programs as part of the initiative.

K-12 curriculum to career pipeline should prepare students with skills, certifications, licenses, or dual-credit college credits to enter the workforce upon graduation.

Academy school initiative should offer special instruction focused on practical application of academic and technical skills, enroll students from geographic service area, accept outside applicants until capacity is reached using lottery system if needed, and give preference to returning students.

Department of Education must submit progress report to Legislature no later than 20 days before convening of 2018 Regular Session, including any proposed legislation needed to implement the program.