SSB 3004 (LSB 5290XC (2) 91)

SENATE FILE _____ 

BY  (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON WORKFORCE BILL BY CHAIRPERSON DICKEY)

A BILL FOR

An Act providing for an online platform for professionals to provide career information to students.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 84A.5, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  13.  The department of workforce development shall establish an online, interactive platform that provides and enhances connections between students and professionals to allow students to virtually explore career options from the classroom. The department shall establish a process for schools to enter into a contract with the department to participate in the platform. The platform shall allow educators at schools that enter into a contract to request online sessions for their classrooms with professionals in industries designated by the educator based on student input. The platform shall match a participating professional’s background, experience, and skills with classroom and curriculum needs at a participating school. The department may coordinate with other states that have established similar platforms in implementation of the platform. The platform shall include but is not limited to the following functions:
   a.  A means for educators to request a connection to a professional in an industry designated by the educator.
   b.  A means for a professional to search for and accept requested connections.
   c.  A means for a professional to participate in an online session with a connected classroom whereby the professional can share information and answer questions from students about the professional’s industry.
   d.  An option for a professional or industry association to sponsor the cost, if any, of a contract for a school to participate in the platform.
   e.  A means for classrooms to watch recorded video presentations from industry leaders around the country to learn about careers in a wide variety of fields.
   f.  A means for a professional or industry association to participate in the platform by providing video presentations on their respective profession or industry and assisting in identifying professionals requested by educators.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill requires the department of workforce development to establish an online, interactive platform that provides and enhances connections between students and professionals to allow students to virtually explore career options from the classroom.
   The platform shall allow educators at schools that enter into a contract with the department to request online sessions for their classrooms with professionals in industries designated by the educator based on student input. The platform shall match a participating professional’s background, experience, and skills with classroom and curriculum needs at a participating school. The bill provides additional minimum functions of the platform.
   The bill authorizes the department to coordinate with other states that have established similar platforms in implementation of the platform.