Assemblyman Holden’s Bill for Paid Career Technical Education Internships Passes Assembly Education Committee, Boosting Opportunities for California Students

Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bill, AB 2273, which would establish the California Pilot Paid Internship Program in the state’s Department of Education, has successfully passed the Assembly Education Committee this week.

The bill aims to enhance opportunities for students by authorizing the Department of Education to allocate grant funds to local educational agencies specifically to support paid career technical education (CTE) internship programs.

CTE internships offer students a structured program integrating core academic knowledge with technical and occupational expertise over several years. This approach allows students to tailor their education based on their career interests and learning requirements.

Studies indicate that CTE significantly boosts high school graduation rates and increases the number of students pursuing and completing college degrees. In the 2021-2022 academic year, California recorded 647,608 CTE participants.

“CTE is not only beneficial for preparing our students to enter the workforce with confidence, it also provides an avenue to success for marginalized students who otherwise may not have considered specific careers due to financial hardship, disability, and other barriers that stand in the way of their ability to excel,” Assemblymember Holden said.

Holden said the growing disparity between workforce demands and educational resources in California’s thriving economy underscores the importance of creating seamless pathways between high school CTE courses, community college programs, and long-term educational pathways. He added these initiatives are crucial for meeting the needs of industries in high demand and improving career prospects for individuals.

Holden also stressed the significance of investing in the future generation amidst challenges like homelessness and the need to support young individuals in securing stable lives, advancing their careers, and contributing positively to their communities.

“With our unhoused community growing, we have to start thinking of how to support the next generation and make sure that they feel secure in starting their lives, securing housing, growing their careers, and supporting their families,” he said. “The children are our future and the way we invest in them now will determine the condition of our incredible state going forward.”