This bill amends various provisions related to career education in Iowa, specifically focusing on career academies, articulation agreements between community colleges and the state board of regents, concurrent enrollment programs, and individual career and academic plans. It establishes that a career academy must include a minimum of two units of secondary education, with at least one unit from a course that meets the requirements of the concurrent enrollment program. Additionally, the bill modifies the collective statewide articulation agreement to ensure the seamless transfer of academic credits from various associate degree programs, including career and technical education credits, to baccalaureate programs. It also mandates that the agreement favor the transfer of career and technical education credits and prohibits uniform restrictions on the number of such credits that can be transferred.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Education to establish a funding program for high school students to attend community college classes during the summer term, regardless of legislative appropriations. The classes must align with transfer pathways or career pathways leading to postsecondary credentials. It also emphasizes the need for individualized career and academic plans to include discussions about opportunities for students to earn college credit and industry-recognized credentials that align with their career interests. Overall, the bill aims to enhance career education and facilitate smoother transitions from secondary to postsecondary education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 84A.1B, 84A.12, 261E.8, 262.9, 257.11