Bill > SB5567

This bill aims to establish a new secondary training program for youth aged 14-17 interested in natural resources and conservation careers. The legislature recognizes the need to provide equitable pathways for young people to enter these critical fields, addressing gaps in current education and workforce development. The bill directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to select a nonprofit partner with extensive experience in education and natural resources to develop and implement a youth program called Youth in Sustainable Natural Resource Systems (YESS). The selected organization must meet specific criteria, including having 20 years of sector experience, successful past program implementation, and the ability to recruit historically marginalized students. The program will offer summer or after-school workforce training of at least 90 hours, with two-thirds of the time dedicated to work-integrated learning, and will provide participants with high school credits, potential community college credits, or industry-recognized credentials. The program will cover various natural resource topics like aquaculture, renewable energy, forest management, and water resource management, and will use state educational standards including the Since Time Immemorial Native American curriculum. The nonprofit partner will be required to conduct employer surveys, track program outcomes, and submit biennial reports to the legislature evaluating the program's activities, funding use, and future recommendations.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5567&Year=2025&Initiative=false