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HB 358

An Act establishing the career and technical education mobility grant program; relating to pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities for secondary school students; and providing for an effective date.

34th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Elam and 1 co-sponsor

Alaska establishes grants enabling secondary students to access career and technical education with pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning, addressing workforce preparation and geographic access barriers.

(H) Heard & Held
#education #employment #grants #labor #occupations&professions #schooldistricts
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Bill Summary · HB 358

Legislative bill overview

HB 358 establishes a career and technical education (CTE) mobility grant program in Alaska designed to expand pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities for secondary school students. The bill aims to increase student access to hands-on career preparation by removing financial or geographic barriers that might prevent participation in these programs.

Why is this important

Alaska faces workforce shortages in skilled trades and technical fields, and early exposure to these careers can help students make informed educational choices while addressing labor gaps. The mobility grant component suggests the bill addresses a geographic challenge—enabling students in rural or underserved areas to access CTE programs they might not otherwise reach.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and cost: The bill's fiscal impact is unclear; it's uncertain whether this represents new state spending, reallocation of existing education funds, or requires local matching contributions
  • Program scope and eligibility: Details on which students qualify, which CTE programs participate, and geographic coverage areas remain undefined based on the bill summary provided
  • Accountability metrics: Questions about how success will be measured (enrollment rates, completion rates, job placement, earnings outcomes) and whether the program will generate sufficient ROI for taxpayers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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