Establishes an entrepreneurial program by the department of education to offer courses taught by teachers with a background in business. (HB527 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that in addition to classroom learning, students can benefit from practical programs that teach them life skills that they can use throughout their lives. One such program is an entrepreneurial education program, which can teach students principles and processes of business enterprise while also helping them to learn and develop personal accountability and leadership skills. These skills will help prepare students to enter Hawaii's workforce with vital competency and knowledge needed to be successful members of our society.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part . entrepreneurial education program

§302A-  Establishment. (a) The department of education shall establish an entrepreneurial education program for students in grades nine through twelve.

(b) Participation in the program shall be on a voluntary basis and shall be based upon available space and funding.

§302A-  Entrepreneurial education program board. There is established within the department of education the entrepreneurial education program board which shall administer the program. The superintendent of education shall appoint members of the program board, including departmental school personnel, business leaders, and representatives of organizations, including nonprofit organizations. The program board shall develop the unique approach of entrepreneurship to learning and shall work collaboratively with government agencies to develop partnerships and commitments from businesses, community leaders, and organizations, both locally and abroad. During the first year of the program, the program board shall recruit a school principal coordinator and a team of teachers, facilitators, and entrepreneurs.

§302A-  Business teachers. Courses for the program shall be taught by:

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 to establish the entrepreneurial education program for public high school students in grades nine through twelve.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2005.