Bill > AB542

This bill amends California Education Code to allow continuation high schools and continuation education classes to offer youth workforce development programs on one or two weekdays per school week, provided that students remain enrolled in at least 15 hours of class attendance per week. A youth workforce development program is defined as a supervised program that enables students to earn academic credit or industry certificates through workplace experiences or training, with the goal of helping students develop skills needed to obtain a livable wage job after graduation. The bill requires school districts implementing such programs to establish procedures to track student attendance and participation. These programs must be aligned with in-demand careers and offered in partnership with entities like community colleges, adult education programs, workforce development programs, or organizations that provide industry-recognized certifications. The legislation encourages prioritizing programs that lead to industry-recognized certificates or credentials, and defines program supervision as a shared responsibility between workplace supervisors and certificated school personnel, allowing for both paid and unpaid on-the-job experiences.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB542