1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to career preparedness; creating a career pathway demonstration program 
1.3 	and grant; appropriating money.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION; CAREER PATHWAY DEMONSTRATION 
1.6 	PROGRAM.
 1.7 		Subdivision 1.Demonstration program. A career pathway demonstration program is 
1.8 	created to encourage, support, and continue student participation in a structured career 
1.9 	pathway program.
1.10 		Subd. 2.Appropriation. (a) $100,000 in fiscal year 2022 is appropriated from the 
1.11 	general fund to the Department of Labor and Industry for a grant to Independent School 
1.12 	District No. 294, Houston, for the Minnesota Virtual Academy's career pathway program 
1.13 	with Operating Engineers Local 49. The program may include up to five semesters of courses 
1.14 	and must lead to eligibility into the Operating Engineers Local 49 apprenticeship program.
1.15 	(b) The grant may be used to encourage and support student participation in the career 
1.16 	pathway program through additional academic, counseling, and other support services 
1.17 	provided by the student's enrolling school district. The Minnesota Virtual Academy may 
1.18 	contract with a student's enrolling school district to provide these services.
1.19 	(c) The appropriation does not cancel and is available until June 30, 2023.
1.20 		Subd. 3.Report. On January 15, 2024, Independent School District No. 294, Houston, 
1.21 	must submit a written report to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over education 
1.22 	and workforce development describing students' experiences with the program. The report 
2.1 	must document the program's spending, list the number of students participating in the 
2.2 	program and entering the apprenticeship program, and make recommendations for improving 
2.3 	support of career pathway programs statewide.