S.B. 2065 Summary

• 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.

• Designated workforce readiness program schools must include grades 9-12 and provide students opportunities to earn industry-recognized certificates and pre-apprenticeship credentials alongside an associate's degree.

• Program schools shall integrate high school courses with industry-based STEM standards, mentoring, job shadowing, internships, and pre-apprenticeship training focused on current and projected industry standards.

• Appropriates funding for fiscal year 2020-2021 to support the program, including 2.0 FTE Educational Specialist II positions and 7.0 FTE District Office Teacher positions.

• Takes effect July 1, 2051.