HF 1996

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/01/2023 11:18am

A bill for an act
relating to career preparedness; supporting and strengthening the career pathways
program; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; CAREER PATHWAYS PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Program description. new text end

new text begin The career pathways program must encourage,
support, and provide continuity for student participation in structured career pathways.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Appropriation. new text end

new text begin (a) $300,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the
general fund to the Department of Labor and Industry for a grant to Independent School
District No. 294, Houston, for the Minnesota Virtual Academy's career pathways program
with Operating Engineers Local 49. The program may include up to five semesters of courses
and must lead to eligibility into the Operating Engineers Local 49 apprenticeship program.
new text end

new text begin (b) The grant may be used to encourage and support student participation in the career
pathways program through additional academic, counseling, and other support services
provided by the student's enrolling school district. The Minnesota Virtual Academy may
contract with a student's enrolling school district to provide these services.
new text end

new text begin (c) This appropriation does not cancel and is available until June 30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Career pathways outreach. new text end

new text begin The career pathways program must provide
outreach to and encourage participation in its programming by students of color, Indigenous
students, students from families with low income, students located throughout Minnesota,
and underserved students.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin On January 15 of each year following the receipt of a grant,
Independent School District No. 294, Houston, must submit a written report to the legislative
committees having jurisdiction over education and workforce development. A grant award
and report must be in accordance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, sections 3.195
and 127A.20. The report must describe students' experiences with the program. The report
must document the program's spending and the number of students participating in the
program and entering into the apprenticeship program. The report must include geographic
and demographic information on the program participants, make recommendations to
improve the support of career pathways programs statewide, and make recommendations
to improve student participation in career pathways programs.
new text end