THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2259
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to schools.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that current high school graduates, as well as non-graduates would benefit from aligning educational curriculum to a workforce readiness preparation program. This alignment depends upon close collaboration between the department of education adult community schools and high schools, community colleges, workforce development council, and employers. A workforce readiness program would ensure that students learn skills and earn credentials required for employment by industry after graduation or completion of the community school for adults workforce preparation program.

The legislature further finds that collaboration between educators and industry employers will enable students to earn a community school for adults workforce development diploma credential. Students may also earn pre-apprenticeship certificates and other certificates recognized by industry, in addition to an associate degree.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a workforce readiness program within the department of education adult community schools program.

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

"§302A Workforce readiness program; establishment. (a) There is established a workforce readiness program within the department's adult community schools program.

(b) The department shall designate schools, including adult community schools, to participate in the program.

(c) Schools participating in the workforce readiness program shall provide opportunities for students to earn a workforce development diploma, pre-apprenticeship certificate, and other certificates recognized by industry that assess and document student readiness for a wide range of jobs, in addition to an associate degree.

(d) The department may coordinate with the department of labor and industrial relations and the department of human services division of vocational rehabilitation and enter into contracts with industry employers to develop and implement the workforce readiness program.

(e) The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate the purposes of this section."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 to enable the two existing department of education adult community schools to implement the workforce development program in collaboration with the department of labor and industrial relations and the department of human services division of vocational rehabilitation, workforce development council, american job centers, local businesses, hotels, employers, apprenticeship programs, and community colleges in meeting the demands for a career-ready workforce.

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

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department of Education; Adult Education; Workforce Development Diploma; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a workforce readiness diploma program within the department of education adult community schools program. Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.