BILL REQ. #:  S-1347.1 

Read first time 02/05/09.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

     AN ACT Relating to youth innovation education; amending RCW 28A.300.230 and 28A.300.235; adding a new section to chapter 28C.18 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 28A.300.230 and 1991 c 238 s 140 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislature finds that global competition requires an alignment between economic development, workforce development and education, and that the needs of the workforce and the economy necessitate enhanced ((vocational education)) educational opportunities in primary and secondary education ((including curriculum which integrates)) in entrepreneurial training, financial literacy, innovation, and other curricula that integrate innovative vocational and traditional academic education. In order for the state's workforce to be competitive in the world market, employees need to understand how businesses operate and become successful, and how to manage personal and business finances. They also need competencies in both vocational((/)) and technical skills, and in core essential competencies such as English, math, science((/)) and technology, geography, history, and critical thinking. Curriculum ((which)) that integrates ((vocational and)) youth innovation education and traditional academic education reflects that many students learn best through applied learning, and that students should be offered flexible education opportunities ((which)) that prepare them for both the world of work and for higher education.

Sec. 2   RCW 28A.300.235 and 1991 c 238 s 141 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The superintendent of public instruction shall, with the advice of the workforce training and education coordinating board, develop model ((curriculum integrating vocational and academic)) youth innovation education ((at the)) curricula for both the primary and secondary levels. The ((curriculum)) curricula shall:
     (a) Integrate ((vocational education for gainful employment with education in)) youth innovation education with the academic subjects of English, math, science((/)) and technology, geography, ((and)) history, and ((with education in)) critical thinking((.));
     (b) Include grade level benchmarks for financial literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and
     (c) Upon completion, ((the model curriculum shall)) be provided for consideration and use by school districts.
     (2) The superintendent of public instruction shall solicit funds to fund grant programs as described in this section. All such funds shall be deposited in the youth innovation education account.
     (3) The superintendent of public instruction shall, with the advice of the workforce training and education coordinating board, distribute grants from the youth innovation education account to youth innovation education programs. School districts may apply for and administer these grants independently or jointly with other school districts or educational service districts.
     (a) These grants may be expended on programs including: Specialized curricula for youth innovation education, offered either as stand-alone classes or integrated into existing subjects; extended learning activities and use of volunteer instructors for classroom instruction, including business week programs; internships or externships; summer camps; weekend or evening workshops; creation of student enterprises; business plan competitions; mentoring; and teacher training in entrepreneurship or financial literacy education.
     (b) In selecting projects for grant awards, the superintendent of public instruction shall give additional consideration to applicants whose proposals include:
     (i) Collaboration with community or business organizations, financial institutions, or other public or private section partners, including but not limited to four-year institutions of higher education and community and technical colleges;
     (ii) An outreach component directed toward school-age youth not currently enrolled in school; and
     (iii) The involvement of all in-school youth in preparation for postsecondary education, training, or employment.
     (c) Grant awards must be for new projects or expansion of existing projects. Those grant applicants with existing projects must show that the funds awarded will not go to the maintenance of effort of existing projects but will be used to carry out new or expanded activities.
     (4) As used in this chapter, "youth innovation education" means integrated academic and vocation instruction for primary and secondary education in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 28C.18 RCW to read as follows:
     In addition to any youth training activities that federal regulations require of local workforce development councils, the councils shall offer entrepreneurial training opportunities to youth.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 28A.300 RCW to read as follows:
     The youth innovation education account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from fund-raising under section 2(2) of this act must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may only be used for grants under section 2(3) of this act. Only the superintendent of public instruction or the superintendent's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   The sum of forty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the general fund to the youth innovation education account for use by the superintendent of public instruction for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, for the purposes of this act.