The proposed bill establishes a career and technical education mobility grant program in Alaska, aimed at improving pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities for secondary school students. It amends AS 14.07.020(a) to assign the Department of Education the responsibility of collaborating with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to identify and expand these educational opportunities, utilizing existing workforce or training programs where possible. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, AS 14.30.810, which allows students from one school district to participate in career and technical education programs offered by another district, prioritizing funding for districts with small student populations or limited capacity.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the responsibilities of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development by deleting the requirement to gather data on high school graduating classes every five years for 20 years, along with the associated reporting obligations. It also introduces a new collaboration with the Department of Education and Early Development to further expand pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities. The Department of Education will have the authority to award grants to reimburse host districts for expenses incurred while educating students from other districts and to provide performance-based incentive grants based on measurable outcomes. Additionally, the bill allows for grants aimed at modernizing facilities and equipment to improve career and technical education.

Statutes affected:
HB0358A, AM HB 358, introduced 02/23/2026: 14.07.020, 14.03.125, 47.12.990, 14.07.165, 14.33.120, 14.07.030, 14.03.123, 14.30.765, 14.30.770, 14.03.410, 14.03.420, 14.30.760, 14.30.800, 44.31.020