MN HF4454

Establishes the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College) program as a concurrent enrollment option allowing 9th and 10th grade students to earn college credit while meeting workforce training requirements in identified growth industries.

Requires joint agreements between local education partners (school districts/charter schools), higher education institutions, and business employers to provide instruction, workplace experiences, internships, apprenticeships, and scholarship programs for participating students.

Limits commissioner approval to up to five P-TECH programs for the 2018-2019 school year and later, with an advisory committee reviewing applications for compliance with statutory requirements.

Mandates annual evaluation reports to legislature measuring student outcomes including retention rates, graduation rates, certification/degree completion, employment, and employer satisfaction by February 1 each year.

Appropriates unspecified amounts in fiscal year 2019 for P-TECH program start-up grants (up to five fiscal years), concurrent enrollment aid at $150+ per pupil, and higher education partner scholarships for P-TECH graduates.