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

This bill allows Massachusetts high school students to earn industry-recognized certifications for jobs in high demand, with the goal of improving their future employment prospects. The state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development will identify these high-value occupations and share the list with school districts, which must make it publicly available online. To encourage participation, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will provide financial awards to school districts when students earn these certifications, with funds used to support instructors and help low-income students cover certification fees. The law also requires the Department to publish an annual report detailing how many students are pursuing these credentials and how the program is progressing.