HI SB371

Establishes a Workforce Readiness Program within the Department of Education to align high school curriculum with workforce needs through collaboration with community colleges and industry employers.

Designates schools, including community schools for adults, to participate in the program and require students in grades nine through twelve to earn industry-recognized certificates and an associate's degree alongside their high school diploma.

Requires participating schools to integrate high school courses with certificate/license programs based on current industry standards in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, along with mentoring, job shadowing, internships, and pre-apprenticeship training.

Directs the Department of Education to coordinate with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and enter into contracts with industry employers to develop and implement the program.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to support two full-time Educational Specialist II positions and seven full-time District Office Teacher positions, effective July 1, 2050.