An Act expanding high school student access to earn industry recognized credentials

This bill expands opportunities for Massachusetts high school students to earn industry-recognized certifications by creating a financial incentive program for school districts. The state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development will identify high-demand occupations requiring specific certifications, which will then be made available to the public and school districts. Under the new funding mechanism, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will provide grants to school districts, with higher payments for students earning certifications in high-value jobs or those recognized by colleges, and lower payments for certifications addressing local workforce needs. Recipient districts must use at least 80% of these funds to support the specific programs that led to the certifications, such as paying instructors or subsidizing fees for low-income students, while the state will also offer separate grants to help districts develop new certification programs. Additionally, the Department is required to publish an annual report detailing student participation, the types of certifications earned, and an analysis of whether the allocated funding was sufficient to cover the awards.