TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Yesterday, a bipartisan coalition of Colorado legislators filed House Bill 1289, a bill to establish incentives for high schools to offer career and technical education opportunities to students in high-demand fields. Schools will be rewarded for each student who earns an industry-recognized credential, and if funds allow, successfully completes an internship or pre-apprenticeship program or earns a qualifying score on an AP Computer Science exam. HB 1289 is sponsored by House Majority Leader Crisanta Duran, Representative Daneya Esgar, Senator Leroy Garcia and Senator Larry Crowder.

“Tomorrow’s workforce is sitting in today’s classrooms. Colorado’s leaders are taking the needed actions to prepare students for the careers that will support the global economy and, in doing so, are positioning the state as a national leader in education and workforce innovation,” said ExcelinEd in Action National Legislative Director J. Alex Kelly. “This is a bold step forward for the Colorado education system. We applaud Majority Leader Duran, Representative Esgar, Senator Garcia and Senator Crowder for supporting this critical legislation and ensuring workforce development is not a partisan issue.”

Scott Laband, President of Colorado Succeeds, said, “This policy presents a win-win opportunity for Colorado. It will equip our students with the 21st century skills they need to succeed in life, financially reward schools for student success, and improve the talent pipeline for Colorado’s businesses. When educators and employers work together, everyone benefits.”

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Learn more about HB 1289:

• The bill establishes a $1 million annual appropriation that begins in fiscal year 2017-2018.
• The pilot will operate for 2 years and will be evaluated upon the conclusion for continuance.
• The participating school district or charter school will receive $1,000 per student in the program.
• Funding provided to schools is tiered and tied to performance.
  • The first funding tier will be students who earn industry certifications in high-demand fields and that articulate into college credit.
  • The second funding tier, if there is remaining funding, will be for students who complete a qualified internship or pre-apprenticeship program tied to high-demand fields.
  • The third and final tier, if there is funding remaining, will be for students who earn a qualifying score on AP computer science.
• The Department of Education will be required to submit an annual report on program participation and performance.
• The Workforce Development Council in collaboration with education and workforce agencies will determine qualifying industry certifications, internships and pre-apprenticeship programs.

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