HB 1659 - DIGEST

     Declares that the program shall include the following:  (1) Encouraging students in grades nine through twelve to acquire the academic and related skills necessary to prepare for the study of vocational agriculture at an institution of higher education;

     (2) promoting vocational agriculture teaching career opportunities to develop an awareness of the opportunities in the education profession;

     (3) providing opportunities for students to experience the application of regular high school course work to activities related to a teaching career in vocational agriculture;

     (4) providing information on the transferability of skills learned in other occupations and professions to activities related to a teaching career in vocational agriculture;

     (5) providing opportunities for underrepresented populations to participate in activities related to a teaching career in vocational agriculture; and

     (6) providing for increased cooperation among institutions of higher education including community colleges, the superintendent of public instruction, the state board of education, and local school districts in working toward the goals of the program.

     Makes an appropriation of forty-nine thousand five hundred dollars, from the general fund to the state board of education.