SCH CD-CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAM House SponsorsRep. Dave Vella 3/27/2026HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee 105 ILCS 5/2-3.214 new Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to establish and administer a program to strengthen this State's workforce by creating structured pipelines from public high schools into in-demand careers through public-private partnerships with employers, public community colleges, and school districts. Under the program, provides that the school board of each school district maintaining a high school shall allow the high school to partner with local employers and the community college district where the high school is located to establish a pathway program for careers in priority sectors. Requires the State Board and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to jointly approve the pathway program prior to implementation and maintain a registry of participating high schools and employers. Sets forth pathway program requirements. Provides that an employer participating in a pathway program that provides a qualifying paid internship or apprenticeship pathway shall receive from the State Board a $1,000 grant per student holding the internship or apprenticeship, not exceed $50,000 per year. Provides that at least 25% of any funds appropriated for implementation must be used to support pathway programs in high schools in high-poverty or rural school districts. 1/8/2026HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Dave Vella 1/14/2026HouseFirst Reading 1/14/2026HouseReferred to Rules Committee 2/17/2026HouseAssigned to Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee 3/27/2026HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee