The bill establishes the "Manufacturing Workforce Development Grant Program" aimed at fostering partnerships between county colleges and local manufacturers to provide students with valuable internship opportunities. The program, created by the Secretary of Higher Education in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, seeks to enhance students' readiness for the workforce by offering real-world experiences alongside traditional classroom learning. Students who complete the program will earn academic credit and a stipend funded by the program. The Secretary will also develop a list of approved manufacturers for collaboration and issue a request for proposals to county colleges detailing the program's purpose, application process, and evaluation criteria.

Funding for the program will be allocated such that 85% of the funds will support student stipends for internship hours, while the remaining 15% will cover administrative costs and support career counseling positions. Priority will be given to county colleges that offer internships in labor demand occupations. Additionally, the Secretary is required to submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature detailing partnerships formed, student participation, skills acquired, and employment outcomes, among other relevant information. This initiative aims to strengthen the connection between education and employment in the manufacturing sector.