Bill > HB4983

This bill establishes the State Global Scholar Certification Program to recognize public high school graduates who have demonstrated global competence, meaning they possess the skills and knowledge to effectively engage with the world, which is valuable for college and career readiness. Participation in this program is voluntary for school districts, and its purposes include valuing global education, certifying this competence for employers and colleges, preparing students with 21st-century skills, and fostering a globally ready workforce in various sectors like STEM. To earn this certification, students must meet criteria set by the State Board of Education, which will include completing globally focused courses, engaging in service learning and global collaboration, and passing a capstone project demonstrating their global competency, all approved by their school district. The State Board of Education will provide schools with a way to mark this certification on diplomas and transcripts, and participating school districts will be responsible for tracking and designating students who earn it, with no fees charged to students for the certification itself, though students may incur costs to demonstrate their proficiency.