An Act incentivizing the awarding of industry-recognized credentials

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide financial awards to school districts when students earn industry-recognized certifications. Schools receive $1,000 for each student who obtains a credential in a high-demand occupation or one accepted by state colleges for academic credit, and $800 for certifications addressing local workforce needs. The law requires that at least 80% of these funds be used to support the specific program that led to the certification, such as paying instructor stipends or subsidizing fees for low-income students, rather than replacing existing operational budgets. Additionally, the department must offer separate development funds to help districts create training programs and hire instructors to prepare students for these credentials. The bill also mandates an annual report detailing how many students pursued and earned these certifications, including data on low-income and special education populations.