Bill > H567

This bill aims to expand high school students' access to industry-recognized credentials. The key provisions include: 1. The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development will provide the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) with an annual list of occupations in high need of skilled employees, ranked by "employment value" (based on entry wage, growth rate, and annual openings). The top 20% of the list will be deemed "high employment value" occupations. 2. DESE will make this list available to all school districts and the public. 3. Subject to appropriation, DESE will provide a $750 certification award to school districts for each student who earns an industry-recognized credential for a high employment value occupation or one recognized by public higher education institutions. DESE will also provide a $600 award for each student who earns a credential that addresses regional demands identified by the local MassHire Workforce Board. 4. DESE may also provide certification development awards to school districts to support the creation of programs to assist students in obtaining these industry-recognized credentials. 5. DESE will report annually on the progress of the program, including the number of students seeking and earning these credentials, with a focus on low-income, English Language Learner, and special education students.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H567