Bill > HB1925

This bill establishes a state-funded program to expand secondary training opportunities for youth ages 14-17 in natural resources and conservation careers. The legislature recognizes that young people currently have limited pathways into these fields and often must choose between gaining high school credits, building skills, or earning money. The bill directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to select a nonprofit partner with significant experience in education and natural resources to develop and implement the program. The selected organization must meet specific criteria, including having 20+ years of experience, successful past program completion, and ability to work with Career Connect Washington. 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 with community partners. Participants can earn high school credits, potential community college credits, or industry-recognized credentials. The program aims to create equitable opportunities in natural resource careers, particularly for historically marginalized students, and will focus on topics like aquaculture, renewable energy, forest management, and water resource management. The nonprofit partner will be required to conduct employer surveys, collect program data, and submit biennial reports to the legislature evaluating the program's activities and effectiveness.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1925&Year=2025&Initiative=false