HARRISBURG – In a bipartisan effort to prepare Pennsylvania’s youth for the 21st century workforce, state Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) and Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) introduced legislation which would allow high school students to obtain real-world work experience while still in school.
House Bill 1522 would establish a pilot grant program which would encourage schools and local businesses to collaborate to provide work-based learning opportunities for high school students.
“As we work to prepare students for the 21st century workforce, this legislation would allow job creators to help transform our education system. When I came to Harrisburg, I wanted to develop innovative ideas that would bring our business leaders and students together,” Bernstine said. “I am proud to partner with Rep. Solomon from Philadelphia on this pilot program which we hope to spread throughout the Commonwealth.”
Solomon noted that one of the goals of the program is to familiarize students with all after-graduation options.
“This program would help our students obtain a better idea of what path they would like to pursue after high school, whether it’s college or other secondary education or perhaps remain with the company where they received workforce experience,” Solomon said.
The program would also encourage partnering businesses to offer apprenticeship, internship or job opportunities to students.
“This is a win-win partnership for our students, schools and business community,” added Bernstine. “Our students would be earning industry-recognized qualifications that would make them job ready on graduation day.”
House Bill 1522 has been referred to the House Education Committee.
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