The Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act aims to enhance public education by establishing workforce readiness programs within the Public School Code. The Act 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 can include certification programs, dual credit courses, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Schools serving grades nine through twelve are mandated to develop apprenticeship programs in collaboration with the workforce solutions department to align educational offerings 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 development of a comprehensive plan to monitor attendance rates and support at-risk students. The effectiveness of the workforce readiness programs will be evaluated annually, with reports submitted to the legislature detailing student participation, post-graduation employment rates, and overall program impact. To support these initiatives, the Act appropriates $20 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years.