OH SB328

Establishes the Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative, a cross-agency leadership team including directors from education, workforce, higher education, job and family services, and development agencies to link education and workforce data systems and produce annual reports on graduate outcomes, talent gaps, and credential value starting December 1, 2026

Requires all school districts to offer a half-unit career exploration course for grades 6-8 beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, covering career cluster exploration, hands-on learning, financial planning, aptitude assessments, professional skills development, and career coaching sessions

Mandates that all eighth grade students starting in 2026-2027 complete an academic and career plan documenting strengths, career goals, graduation pathway, work-based learning opportunities, and professional skills development, with annual updates through high school and a required professional resume by January of twelfth grade

Requires the Department of Education and Workforce to develop professional skills standards aligned to employer needs and a statewide career coaching framework by September 30, 2026, including quality indicators, session objectives, and coach qualifications

Authorizes annual auditing of up to 5% of schools for compliance with career exploration requirements and allows schools to submit alternative career exploration plans in lieu of the required course