Amendment ID: S2697-5

Amendment 5

Adult Education and Workforce Pilot Program

Messrs. Crighton, Cronin, O'Connor, Payano and Moore move that the proposed new draft be amended by adding the following new section:-

"SECTION XX. The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development shall create and administer an 18-month pilot program allowing for the development and implementation of an adult workforce high school diploma program to assist adults age 23 and older to obtain a high school diploma and develop employability and career technical skills.

To be considered eligible to participate in the program, a qualified provider must meet the following criteria: experience in providing dropout re-engagement services, a course catalog that includes all courses necessary to earn a regionally accredited high school diploma, the ability to provide career pathways coursework, the ability to provide preparation for industry-recognized credentials and stackable workforce credentials, the ability to provide career placement services, the ability to provide employability skills certification aligned with the US Department of Labor’s “Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success,” and be accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body. The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development shall approve and publish a list of qualified providers according to these criteria.

Funds shall be reimbursed to qualified providers for the completion of the following milestones for each pupil served: each half credit, an employability skills certification, a workforce credential requiring up to 50 hours of training, a workforce credential requiring between 51-100 hours of training, a workforce credential requiring more than 100 hours of training, an accredited high school diploma.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development shall file a report on the efficacy of the pilot program with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on labor and workforce development.  The report shall include the following metrics: (a) the total number of adult learners funded through the program; (b) total number of credits earned; (c) total number of employability skills certifications issued; (d) the total number of workforce credentials earned; and (e) the total number of graduates, in addition to any legislative recommendations."