The Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act aims to enhance public education by establishing workforce readiness programs for students in grades pre-kindergarten through twelve. The bill introduces new definitions related to workforce readiness, including terms such as "apprenticeship," "certification," and "dual credit." It allows students to choose a workforce readiness pathway as part of their graduation requirements, which may include certification programs, dual credit courses, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training. Schools are mandated to develop apprenticeship programs and collaborate with the workforce solutions department to align these programs with local labor market needs.

Additionally, the Act emphasizes improving student engagement and attendance through various strategies, such as career exposure programs and individualized learning plans. It requires the education department to evaluate the effectiveness of the workforce readiness programs annually and report on metrics like student completion rates and post-graduation employment. The bill also includes a significant appropriation of $20 million from the general fund to support these initiatives in fiscal year 2026 and beyond, ensuring that any unspent funds do not revert to the general fund.