Public postsecondary education: The California State Pathways in Technology Program.

Existing law establishes a system of public elementary and secondary education in this state. Under this system, local educational agencies throughout the state provide instruction to pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive. Existing law also establishes the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in this state. Existing law authorizes the California Community Colleges to grant associate degrees. This bill would establish the California State Pathways in Technology (CA P-TECH) Program as a public-private partnership for purposes of preparing California students for high-skill jobs of the future in technology, manufacturing, health care, and finance. The bill would specify the core benefits of the program for participating students, including an opportunity to earn an associate of science degree in a high-tech field or an associate degree for transfer in a high-tech field. This bill would require its provisions be implemented only upon the enactment of an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for its purposes.