HOUSE BILL 560
57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025
INTRODUCED BY
Jack Chatfield
AN ACT
RELATING TO PUBLIC EDUCATION; ENACTING THE WORKFORCE READINESS AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT ACT; REQUIRING ESTABLISHMENT OF WORKFORCE READINESS PROGRAMS; REQUIRING EVALUATION AND REPORTS; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
SECTION 1. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:
"[NEW MATERIAL] SHORT TITLE.--This act may be cited as the "Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act"."
SECTION 2. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:
"[NEW MATERIAL] DEFINITIONS.--As used in the Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act:
A. "apprenticeship" means a structured, work-based learning program for a student that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in a specific trade or profession;
B. "certification" means industry-recognized credentials awarded to a student upon successful completion of a workforce preparation program;
C. "dual credit" means college-level courses in which a high school student is enrolled and for which the student earns high school and college credits;
D. "on-the-job training and mentorship" means a program that offers a student practical and direct work experience with ongoing guidance from a mentor or supervisor during the program;
E. "student" means a public school student in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade; and
F. "workforce readiness" means that a student possesses a set of skills, a certification or experiences or a combination of those that has prepared the student for direct entry into the workforce."
SECTION 3. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:
"[NEW MATERIAL] GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS--WORKFORCE READINESS PATHWAY--SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES.--
A. A student may choose a workforce readiness pathway as part of the student's graduation requirements. Workforce readiness pathway options include:
(1) a certification program aligned with the state's workforce needs through which a student may earn a certification in a professional field with high workforce demand, including health care, technology, skilled trades and renewable energy;
(2) enrollment in dual credit courses through an institution of higher education in the state;
(3) an apprenticeship or employment with a local employer that has established a partnership with the student's school for the purposes described in this section; and
(4) on-the-job training and mentorship that offers an opportunity for a high school student to learn directly from professionals in various professional fields.
B. Every school that serves students in grades nine through twelve shall develop an apprenticeship program.
C. Every school that will offer a workforce readiness program shall develop the program in collaboration with the workforce solutions department to ensure that the program aligns industries with high labor demands and local labor market needs."
SECTION 4. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:
"[NEW MATERIAL] STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT.--
A. To improve student engagement, schools shall implement engagement strategies, including:
(1) programs to expose students to career pathways through career fairs, internships and visits to work sites in various industries;
(2) development of individualized student learning plans that incorporate students' career interests and goals; and
(3) recognition of students through rewards, public acknowledgment, honors and incentives for participation and achievement in workforce readiness programs.
B. The department shall develop a comprehensive plan to monitor and improve attendance rates. The plan shall include:
(1) early intervention programs that identify students who are at risk of chronic absenteeism and provide them with targeted support, including tutoring, mentorship and family engagement strategies;
(2) flexible scheduling and virtual learning options for students who participate in workforce readiness pathways; and
(3) engagement of employers and community organizations to assist with providing incentives and supporting students in workforce-related learning activities."
SECTION 5. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:
"[NEW MATERIAL] PROGRAM EVALUATION--ACCOUNTABILITY.--
A. Each year, the department, in collaboration with the workforce solutions department, shall evaluate the effectiveness of the workforce readiness programs provided for in the Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act. The evaluation shall include documentation of:
(1) the number of students who completed a certification, dual credit course or apprenticeship;
(2) the post-graduation employment rate of students who previously participated in workforce readiness programs; and
(3) the impact on student attendance and engagement rates.
B. The department shall submit an annual report to the legislature on workforce readiness programs provided for under the Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act. The annual report shall describe the progress of workforce readiness programs, attendance improvement strategies implemented through the programs and the effectiveness of the programs."
SECTION 6. APPROPRIATION.--Twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the public education department for expenditure in fiscal year 2026 and subsequent fiscal years to support workforce readiness programs created pursuant to the Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund.
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