The bill establishes a new postsecondary advising program called the "Breakthrough program" aimed at supporting students who are the first in their families to pursue postsecondary education or who are considered educationally disadvantaged. The program will be established by the commissioner of education in collaboration with a nonprofit organization. It includes provisions for coordinating efforts with social service organizations and public school personnel to assist students at risk of not completing critical steps toward high school graduation and pursuing further education.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the commissioner and the agency, which include setting performance goals for student achievement, retention, and enrollment in postsecondary education, as well as evaluating progress towards these goals. Local programs under the Breakthrough program are required to develop funding plans to maintain service levels even if state funding decreases, and they may accept various forms of financial support. The agency is mandated to perform all functions related to the program and cannot contract out these responsibilities to private entities. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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