WA SB5567

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction must select a 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner with 20+ years experience in education and natural resources to operate a youth career preparation program in sustainable natural resource systems

Program targets students ages 14-17 through summer skills centers or after-school workforce programs of at least 90 hours, with two-thirds dedicated to work-integrated learning with community partners

Participants can earn high school credits, dual college credits, or industry-recognized credentials in fields including restoration ecology, forest management, renewable energy, aquaculture, and forest fire management

Nonprofit partner must prioritize recruitment from disadvantaged communities as designated by EPA climate justice programs or districts scoring 7+ on Washington's environmental health disparities map

OSPI must submit reports to the legislature in December after the first and third years of programming, evaluating activities, accounting for funding, and recommending continuation or revision