Bill would establish career academy consortiums

The Education Committee heard a bill during a hearing Jan. 29 that would allow school districts to create career academies under a consortium.

Omaha Sen. Brad Ashford said he introduced LB47 because students do not have access to the newest technology and job skills necessary to find employment upon graduation.

The bill builds upon LB870, passed in 2012, which established the framework for career academies in the state. Ashford said LB47 would foster more collaboration between smaller school districts that might not have the resources to create individual academies.

“It is absolutely critical that we connect these young people to jobs,” he said. “In order to be a global competitor, Nebraska must be in the forefront.”

Under the bill, a consortium would consist of:
• no less than three school districts;
• one community college or publicly funded, four-year college; and
• at least one public agency, private business or private industry group.

Students attending a consortium career academy would be instructed on workplace skills, basic skills related to career pathways, technology and specific job skills. Job shadowing and internships also would be provided in the student’s focus area.

The career academies would be funded jointly by the Legislature and private donations from industry partners and administered by the state Department of Education. A stipend of $1,500 per participating student would be appropriated to the student’s resident school district to defray costs.

Lincoln Public Schools superintendent Steve Joel supported the bill, saying the current demands placed on schools and students prohibit the deep understanding of practical skills that can lead to gainful employment.

“At the end of the day these students will have a high school diploma, at least one year of college credit, industry certification and more options to pursue further academic opportunities and gainful employment,” Joel said. “This is truly a game changer.”

Tonja Broadwell, chief operations officer of Kelly Supply Company, also testified in support of the bill. She said it is becoming increasingly more difficult for businesses to find qualified workers to fill vacancies.

“We feel strongly that career academies provide a pathway for career-ready workers,” she said. “This is how we grow and compete.”

Dan Schoemake, Educational Service Unit (ESU) 6 administrator, testified in a neutral capacity. He said he supports the bill but thinks a broader scope would be more effective.

“This bill brings relevance and real-world education to the high school setting,” Schoemake said, “but we would like to advocate for more involvement with the ESUs.”

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.