Bill > AB323

This bill amends the California Education Code to enhance the Strong Workforce Program, which supports career technical education in community colleges. The bill requires the Chancellor's Office to revise policies by June 30, 2026, to provide paid work-based learning opportunities for students and employers. Specifically, community college districts will now be able to use program funds to directly support paid work-based learning experiences like apprenticeships, internships, and externships, with the goal of increasing student employability and employment. The bill builds upon existing workforce development efforts, emphasizing collaboration between educational institutions, local workforce development boards, and industry partners. It continues to prioritize aligning educational programs with regional labor market needs, creating pathways for students to gain industry-valued credentials, and supporting economic mobility. The legislation maintains the program's existing allocation structure, where 40% of funds go to regional consortia and 60% directly to community college districts, but expands the potential uses of those funds to include more direct support for work-based learning opportunities.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB323