Sub. H. B. No. 71 Summary

• Establishes the Community Connectors Workforce Program under the Ohio Department of Education to connect high school students with jobs and internships in their communities.

• Requires each educational service center to employ one to three directors to administer the program in high schools within their districts, with directors having experience in job placement, school counseling, or primary and secondary education.

• Directors must collaborate with OhioMeansJobs and community partners to identify job opportunities, create student application procedures, provide soft skills and professional training, and report participation and placement data to their educational service center and the state.

• Appropriates $8,000,000 from the State Lottery Fund Group for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to support the Community Connectors Workforce Program.

• Requires employers participating in the program to comply with applicable minor labor laws under Ohio Revised Code section 4109.02.