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Bill

HB 5478

AN ACT SUPPORTING "LEARN AND EARN" INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aimee Berger-Girvalo and 16 co-sponsors

Connecticut establishes paid internship program combining student education with employer work experience to build workforce skills and reduce barriers to employment for young people.

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Bill Summary · HB 5478

Legislative bill overview

HB 5478 establishes a "Learn and Earn" internship program in Connecticut designed to create structured opportunities for students to combine academic learning with paid work experience. The bill likely creates partnerships between educational institutions, employers, and state agencies to facilitate internships that provide both educational credit and wages to participants.

Why is this important

Such programs address workforce development gaps by giving students practical experience while earning income, potentially reducing barriers to education for lower-income students who might otherwise need full-time employment. This can improve job readiness, reduce youth unemployment, and create a pipeline of trained workers for Connecticut employers.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer participation and compliance: Questions about whether businesses will genuinely participate, how quality internships are defined, and whether wage requirements might discourage employer enrollment
  • Program funding and sustainability: Unclear whether state funding is sufficient, whether wages are subsidized by the state or employers entirely, and long-term budget implications
  • Equity and access: Concerns about whether the program reaches underserved communities equitably, whether transportation/location barriers are addressed, and if academic credit standards are consistent across institutions

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

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