(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.) –- Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed on May 27, 2016 HB 1289 into law establishing incentives for high schools to offer career and technical education opportunities to students in high-demand fields. Schools will be rewarded for each student who earns an industry-recognized credential. If funds allow, schools will also be rewarded if a student successfully completes an internship, residency, construction pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship program or earns a qualifying score on an Advanced Placement Computer Science exam. HB 1289 was sponsored by House Majority Leader Crisanta Duran, Representative Daneya Esgar, Senator Leroy Garcia and Senator Larry Crowder.
“Colorado has thousands of good, high-paying jobs that require applicants who are well educated and trained. By rewarding schools for students who earn an industry-recognized credential, and possibly for completing internships and apprenticeships as well, Colorado is creating opportunities for its students while laying the groundwork for a more competitive workforce in the future,” said Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd) CEO Patricia Levesque.
###
Learn more about HB 1289:
- The bill establishes a $1 million annual appropriation that begins in fiscal year 2017-2018.
- The pilot will operate for 2 years and will be evaluated upon the conclusion for continuance.
- The participating school district or charter school will receive $1,000 per student in the program.
- Funding provided to schools is tiered and tied to performance. The first funding tier will be students who earn industry certifications in high-demand fields. The second funding tier, if there is remaining funding, will be for students who complete a qualified internship, residency, or construction pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program tied to high-demand fields. The third and final tier, if there is funding remaining, will be for students who earn a qualifying score on AP computer science.
- The Department of Education will be required to submit an annual report on program participation and performance.
- The Workforce Development Council, in collaboration with education and workforce agencies, will determine qualifying industry certifications, internships, residency programs, and construction apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs based on job market demand.
The Foundation for Excellence in Education is transforming education for the 21st century economy by working with lawmakers, policymakers, educators and parents to advance education reform across America. Learn more at ExcelinEd.org.