IL HB0052

Requires the State Board of Education to develop and maintain an advanced manufacturing technical skills program beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.

Program must be implemented in at least 12 public high schools over 3 years, located in areas where youth unemployment rates are at least twice the national average, including at least 2 schools each on Chicago's west side, south side, and in southern suburbs.

Participating high schools must offer courses with classroom and on-site experiential learning, equipped with computers, digital design units, computer numerical control machines, and other modern manufacturing equipment.

Instructors must have minimum 3 years of recognized industry certifications, experience with urban or financially challenged youth, and adequate shop experience in manufacturing settings.

State Board must ensure each participating school receives adequate funding for an industry coordinator, tutoring, mentoring, professional development, and financial management instruction, with program design and accreditation support from a provider with at least 10 years of manufacturing industry experience.