House Bill 893

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT OFFICE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE, SHALL PILOT THE SKILLPATH 2030 PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE SKILLPATH 2030 PROGRAM IS TO TEACH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SKILLS AND ALLOW THEM TO EARN CERTIFICATIONS TO EITHER RECEIVE EMPLOYMENT AT A TRADE-RELATED JOB AFTER HIGH SCHOOL OR RECEIVE COURSE CREDIT TO FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION AT A COMMUNITY OR JUNIOR COLLEGE; TO PROVIDE HOW THE PROGRAM WILL BE IMPLEMENTED; TO PROVIDE A REPORTING REQUIREMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) The Office of Workforce Development, in consultation with the planning and development districts throughout the state, shall pilot the SkillPath 2030 Program. The purpose of the SkillPath 2030 Program is to teach high school students skills and allow them to earn certifications to either receive employment at a trade-related job after high school or receive course credit to further their education at a community or junior college.

(2) The Office of Workforce Development shall partner with the four (4) planning and development districts (PDD) for the establishment of the program. Each PDD shall select three (3) schools within their district to implement the program. Subject to appropriation by the Legislature, the program, through its vendors, shall set up trade-related skill labs for advanced manufacturing, information technology, transportation and logistics and healthcare. The program shall also provide all equipment, software and instructional training that may be necessary for the function of the skill lab.

(3) The Office of Workforce Development shall promulgate any rules and regulations as necessary to implement the program.

(4) The Office of Workforce Development shall submit an annual report to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chair of the House Workforce Development Committee and Chair of the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee that details the progress of piloting the program, how many students have been served through the program, and how many students received employment after completing the program.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.