Bill > HB98

This bill establishes the Community Connectors Workforce Program, which aims to help high school students connect with job opportunities, internships, and career professionals in their local communities. Under this program, each educational service center will employ or contract with one to three directors who will work in high schools to support student career development. These directors will collaborate with local OhioMeansJobs centers and community partners to identify job and internship opportunities, create application procedures, and conduct student interviews and aptitude tests. They will also provide classroom instruction in professional skills like problem-solving, time management, communication, and ethics. Directors are required to report key metrics such as the number of students participating, placed in jobs or internships, and receiving skills training. The bill appropriates $8 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with funding to be distributed equally among educational service centers and proportionally based on student count. Businesses employing students through the program must comply with minor labor laws. The program is designed to help students explore career pathways and develop workplace readiness skills.

Education

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb98