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SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Senator Steven Choi, Ph.D. (R–Irvine) today announced the introduction of Senate Bill 1222, legislation to expand access to high-quality career technical education (CTE) programs, with a focus on underserved students.
The bill establishes a three-year Career Technical Education Technical Assistance and Equity Pilot Program, which would require the State Superintendent of Public Instructions to designate a lead agency to provide targeted support to local educational agencies in two pilot regions. The program aims to strengthen industry partnerships, improve coordination, and expand access to career pathways for students who are underrepresented in CTE programs.
“Career technical education is one of the most effective tools we have to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers,” said Senator Choi. “By strengthening local capacity, improving coordination, and prioritizing equity in workforce development, this bill ensures that every student has access to meaningful career pathways.”
The bill is sponsored by the Orange County Department of Education and builds on proven models of regional collaboration and workforce alignment.
“Orange County Department of Education is proud to sponsor this important effort to expand equitable access to high-quality career technical education,” said Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County Superintendent of Schools. “By leveraging regional partnerships and proven technical assistance models, this pilot program will help ensure that all students, including those historically underserved, can succeed in pathways that lead to meaningful careers and economic mobility.”