Strong Workforce Program: work-based learning opportunities: regional consortia

The law expands the pool of Strong Workforce Program funds available for paid apprenticeships, internships, externships, and student-run enterprises. It gives the Chancellor’s Office until June 30, 2027, to revise the policies, regulations, and guidance needed for those opportunities.

What the law does ​

• Authorizes regional consortia to use their directly apportioned Strong Workforce funds for direct support to students, employers, or both, for paid work-based learning.
• Covers paid apprenticeships, internships, externships, and student-run enterprises intended to improve employability and employment.
• Extends by one year, to June 30, 2027, the deadline for the Chancellor’s Office to revise rules and guidance for paid work-based learning.

Who it affects ​

• Community college districts and their Strong Workforce regional consortia.
• Community college students pursuing career technical education and work-based learning.
• Employers participating in paid work-based learning opportunities.