The bill aims to enhance career preparation programs for youth aged 14 to 17 in the fields of natural resources and conservation in Washington State. It establishes a framework for a program that engages young people in sustainable natural resource systems, addressing the need for equitable pathways into these career fields. The program will be administered by a selected private sector, nonprofit partner with extensive experience in education and natural resources, and will focus on providing work-integrated learning opportunities that can earn participants high school credits, potential college credits, or industry-recognized credentials.

Additionally, the bill mandates the program to align with state educational standards and emphasizes the importance of recruiting historically marginalized students. It requires regular evaluations and reporting to the legislature on the program's activities, funding usage, and recommendations for future actions. The new sections added to chapter 28A.700 RCW outline the criteria for the program's implementation, ensuring it meets the workforce needs of the natural resource sector while promoting positive mental and physical health outcomes for youth.