PRINTER'S NO. 912
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
114
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY SCHWANK, TEPLITZ, BREWSTER, BLAKE, FONTANA,
SCAVELLO, WOZNIAK, TARTAGLIONE, COSTA, WILEY AND HAYWOOD,
MAY 14, 2015
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, MAY 14, 2015
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," in vocational education, further
providing for vocational education equipment grants; and, in
reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts,
providing for career and technical education innovation and
career preparation.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 1855 of the act of March 10, 1949
(P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949,
amended June 22, 2001 (P.L.530, No.35), is amended to read:
Section 1855. Vocational Education Equipment Grants.--(a)
For the 2000-2001 fiscal year and the 2001-2002 fiscal year, the
Department of Education shall establish a grant program to
assist area vocational-technical schools, school districts
offering approved vocational-technical programs and the Thaddeus
Stevens State College of Technology in purchasing equipment that
meets industry standards for the purpose of providing training
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to students. Grants shall be limited to the purchase of
equipment in the following program areas: automotive technology,
auto body, diesel technology, precision machine technology,
heating ventilation and air conditioning, printing, dental
assisting, electronics, building trades and other program areas
approved by the Secretary of Education. Grants shall be awarded
by the Department of Education on a matching basis, two State
dollars ($2) for every local dollar ($1), and shall be limited
to funds appropriated for that purpose.
(b) For the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the Department of
Education shall establish a competitive grant program to assist
area vocational-technical schools and school districts offering
approved vocational-technical programs in purchasing equipment
that meets industry standards for the purpose of providing
training to students. The Department of Education shall
establish other criteria or factors as the Department of
Education deems necessary, which shall include an in-kind
contribution by employers, employer umbrella organizations or
labor organizations, and shall give priority in awarding grants
to recipients of funding under section 2508.6(b).
Section 2. The act is amended by adding a section to read:
Section 2508.6. Career and Technical Education Innovation
and Career Preparation.--(a) For the school year 2015-2016 and
each school year thereafter, eight million dollars ($8,000,000)
shall be distributed by the Department of Education on a
competitive basis to school districts and area vocational-
technical schools to offer college and career counseling in
middle and high schools in order to develop pathways for
students to pursue high-skill careers.
(b) For the school year 2015-2016 and each year thereafter,
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fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) shall be distributed by
the Department of Education on a competitive basis to area
vocational-technical schools and to school districts with eight
(8) or more approved vocational-technical programs to support
the establishment or enhancement of career-technical education
programs that prepare students for success in the high-skill
economy. Programs shall prepare students for high-demand or
high-growth occupations based on labor market data that pay a
family-sustaining wage and offer a career ladder for growth
opportunities. Proposals shall:
(i) Reflect the endorsement and participation of each of the
following:
(A) A local workforce investment board.
(B) At least one local employer, employer umbrella
organization or labor organization.
(C) At least one institution of higher education.
(ii) Provide work-based learning opportunities for
participating students.
(iii) Provide the opportunity for students to earn college
credit or industry-recognized certification.
(iv) Meet other requirements as established by the
department.
Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2015, or
immediately, whichever is later.
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