S.B. 2259 Summary

• Establishes a workforce readiness program within the Department of Education's community school for adults or adult education program to align educational curriculum with workforce preparation.

• Designated schools in the program shall provide opportunities for students to earn a workforce development diploma, pre-apprenticeship certificates, or other industry-recognized certificates in addition to an associate degree.

• Authorizes the Department of Education to coordinate with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and enter into contracts with industry employers to develop and implement the workforce readiness program.

• Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2020-2021 to enable the two existing community school for adults campuses and eight satellite sites to implement the program in collaboration with workforce development councils, American job centers, local businesses, and community colleges.

• Takes effect July 1, 2051.