IL SB1727

State Board of Education shall develop and maintain an advanced manufacturing technical skills program beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.

Program shall be implemented in at least 12 public high schools over 3 years, specifically targeting schools where youth unemployment rate is at least twice the national average, including minimum 2 schools on Chicago's west side, 2 on south side, and 2 in southern suburbs.

Participating high schools must offer advanced manufacturing courses with hands-on experiential learning and be 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 teaching urban or financially disadvantaged youth, and adequate shop experience in manufacturing settings.

State Board shall ensure each participating school has adequate funding for an industry coordinator, tutoring, pre-employment and on-the-job mentoring, professional and leadership development, and life and financial management instruction; shall use a program provider with at least 10 years of manufacturing industry experience.