HB 2289 Summary

• Creates the Oklahoma Career Internship Program Act, requiring the State Department of Education to develop and implement a statewide internship program in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

• Establishes eligible participants as current high school students, students enrolled in higher education or postsecondary programs, and recent graduates within 24 months.

• Authorizes distribution of funding to public and private entities for internship programs that match Oklahoma employers with students and recent graduates, with possible stipends based on need.

• Requires funded programs to meet six criteria including not replacing existing positions, creating real workplace expectations, measuring skill mastery, motivating students through work-based learning, promoting employer involvement, and offering continuum of learning to retain graduates in Oklahoma.

• Takes effect July 1, 2013, with emergency declaration for immediate implementation.