HB4354 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)
SCH CD-CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAM
Last Action
2/17/2026 - House: Assigned to Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee
Hearings
Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee Hearing Feb 24 2026 2:00PM Capitol Building 118 and Virtual Room 2 Springfield, IL
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to establish and administer a program to strengthen this State's workforce by creating structured pipelines from public high schools into in-demand careers through public-private partnerships with employers, public community colleges, and school districts. Under the program, provides that the school board of each school district maintaining a high school shall allow the high school to partner with local employers and the community college district where the high school is located to establish a pathway program for careers in priority sectors. Requires the State Board and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to jointly approve the pathway program prior to implementation and maintain a registry of participating high schools and employers. Sets forth pathway program requirements. Provides that an employer participating in a pathway program that provides a qualifying paid internship or apprenticeship pathway shall receive from the State Board a $1,000 grant per student holding the internship or apprenticeship, not exceed $50,000 per year. Provides that at least 25% of any funds appropriated for implementation must be used to support pathway programs in high schools in high-poverty or rural school districts.
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1/08/2026 | House | Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Dave Vella |
| 1/14/2026 | House | First Reading |
| 1/14/2026 | House | Referred to Rules Committee |
| 2/17/2026 | House | Assigned to Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee |