MN SF3989

Establishes the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College) program as a concurrent enrollment initiative jointly developed by local education partners, higher education partners, and business partners to prepare students for workforce careers in growth industries.

Allows 9th and 10th grade students who pass the 8th grade Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment in reading to enroll in postsecondary courses as part of an approved P-TECH program, enabling them to earn high school diplomas alongside industry-recognized certificates, preapprenticeship certificates, or associate degrees.

Requires all three partners (school district, college, and employer) to jointly apply to the commissioner of education; the commissioner may approve up to five P-TECH programs annually and must appoint an advisory committee to review applications.

Mandates higher education partners establish scholarship programs covering full tuition for P-TECH graduates and requires annual evaluation reports to the legislature on student retention, completion, employment outcomes, and employer satisfaction.

Appropriates unspecified amounts in fiscal year 2019 for P-TECH start-up grants (up to five years per program), concurrent enrollment aid, and higher education partner scholarships, effective July 1, 2018 for the 2018-2019 school year and later.