A bill for an act relating to certain specified skilled trades, including modifying provisions related to department of workforce development internship programs, the Iowa summer youth corps program, college student aid commission programs, the senior year plus program, the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative within the innovation division of the department of education, and curricula provided in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to include the skilled trades, and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Molly Donahue

Bill SF 78 enhances Iowa's education by integrating skilled trades into middle school curricula, boosting student interest and supporting teachers and community colleges.

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Donahue, and Kraayenbrink.

Purpose and Intent

Bill SF 78 aims to enhance the integration of skilled trades education within Iowa's educational framework. The bill seeks to modify existing programs related to workforce development, particularly focusing on internships, youth corps, and curricula in schools. The intent is to better prepare students for careers in skilled trades, which are vital for the state's economy.

Key Provisions

Curricula Enhancement:

The bill mandates that school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools include skilled trades in their career exploration and development curricula for grades 7 and 8.
It expands the scope of the existing STEM collaborative initiative to include recruitment and support for teachers in skilled trades.

STEM Collaborative Initiative:

The initiative will now prioritize student interest and achievement in skilled trades.
It will identify, recruit, and prepare skilled trades teachers, ensuring a robust educational framework for these fields.
Collaboration with community colleges is required to develop professional development programs for instructors and create skilled trades curricula.

Regional Networks and Enrichment Opportunities:

The bill establishes regional networks to provide enrichment opportunities related to skilled trades.
It aims to create a focused array of enrichment programs that can adapt to future workforce needs.

National Guard Service Scholarship Program:

The bill requires the adjutant general to report on career fields related to the National Guard service scholarship program, which supports Iowa National Guard members attending eligible colleges.

Impact

Students: The bill will directly affect middle school students by providing them with exposure to skilled trades, potentially increasing interest in these career paths.

Educators: Teachers in skilled trades will receive additional support and resources, enhancing their ability to deliver effective education in these areas.

Community Colleges: The collaboration with community colleges will strengthen the professional development of instructors and improve the quality of skilled trades curricula.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced and referred to the Education Committee on January 22, 2025.

As of January 28, 2025, it is under consideration by a subcommittee consisting of Senators Rozenboom, Donahue, and Kraayenbrink.

This bill represents a significant step toward enhancing vocational education in Iowa, addressing the growing demand for skilled trades professionals in various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and technology.

Bill

Summary of Bill SF 78

Purpose and Intent

Key Provisions

Impact

Procedural Aspects

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