Steinberg Unveils Measure to Enhance Industry and Education Partnerships in Student Career Pathways
SB 594 – The Dropout Reduction and Workforce Development Bond Act of 2013
(Sacramento) – Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg has announced the Dropout Reduction and Workforce Development Bond Act of 2013, which will provide more career-oriented curriculum and training for California students by enhancing the connections between schools and industry. Through these new business-school partnerships, students will have more opportunities for career training leading toward middle class jobs, while business and industry will benefit from growth in California’s skilled workforce.
SB 594 would provide three new tools to finance the development of career pathways through these public-private partnerships. Programs serving economically disadvantaged students in school districts with high dropout rates will be given priority for funding.
“Too many of our students are dropping out because they don’t see any connection with what they’re learning in school and the careers they want to pursue. At the same time, many in our high growth industries complain that there’s a shortage of skilled workers,” said Steinberg. “When we recently visited Long Beach Unified, students told us that with career academies and small learning communities they were more engaged and focused on their studies. We want a pragmatic way to get industry and business involved in education, combining academic rigor and career relevance. Encouraging their investment will pay off with more success for our students and a stronger workforce in our state.”
