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SF442 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Skills path program for employment-based training establishment

Related bill: HF405

AI Generated Summary

The legislative bill SF No 442 aims to establish a "Skills Path Program" in Minnesota. This program is designed to help high school students transition directly into careers in skilled trades and other industries by engaging them in both education and employment-based training while they are still in school. The bill outlines the following key components:

  1. Purpose: The purpose is to create clear pathways for students from high school to careers in skilled trades. This includes opportunities to enter work-based training programs and postsecondary education directly from high school.

  2. Definitions: It provides specific definitions for terms like "Career and technical education dual credit program" and "Employment-based training," which include apprenticeships and workforce training programs where students can earn while they learn.

  3. Eligibility and Partnerships: Public and nonpublic secondary schools, along with postsecondary institutions and tribal schools, can apply to participate in this program. These institutions can collaborate to offer students a mix of secondary and postsecondary education that can lead to an associate degree in skilled occupations.

  4. Program Requirements: To be designated as a Skills Path Program, educational programs must integrate career learning with technical education and work-based training opportunities. They should show how they will promote these pathways to students and how they engage local partners and employers.

  5. Funding and Grants: The bill proposes a grant program under which secondary schools can receive up to $50,000 per year to establish or support Skills Path Programs. These funds can be used for activities like marketing the programs to students, managing logistics, and covering students' educational costs like tuition and books.

  6. Budget Appropriations: As per the bill, the Commissioner of Education will receive $500,000 annually for two years to administer these grants, with ongoing funding expected to continue.

This initiative is intended to strengthen the workforce by linking educational opportunities directly with employment prospects in various in-demand fields, thereby providing students with practical skills and a kick-start to their careers right out of high school.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 20, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 20, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This legislation refers to an existing section that defines postsecondary education options for students, used here to inform aspects of career and technical education.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "124D.09"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Mentions an existing statute section that provides aid to American Indian-controlled tribal schools, now including eligibility for the skills path program.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "124D.83"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This set of statutes involves postsecondary institution registration and exemption processes, impacting how institutions partner to offer skills path programs.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "136A.61 to 136A.71"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The statute citations pertain to regulations on postsecondary educational institutions, relevant to partnerships for delivering career and technical education within the skills path program.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "136A.822 to 136A.834"
  }
]

Sponsors