Disconnected Youth Bill Draws Unanimous Support

04.19.2024
Issues & Policies

Legislation designed to address Connecticut’s disconnected youth crisis drew unanimous support from the Transportation Committee April 8.

HB 5213 was referred to the committee after earlier winning bipartisan approval from the legislature’s Education Committee.

The bill, which was supported by CBIA, aims to re-engage youth who are at risk of not graduating high school, are not enrolled in school, or have limited educational and career options.

HB 5213 incorporates a data sharing initiative through state and local boards of education, while partnering with community organizations to work with disconnected youth on re-engagement initiatives.

Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a board to review the existing accountability index that scores school districts, as well as existing high school grading policies and courses.

The bill also includes career readiness programs, apprenticeships, and internships into scoring metrics to understand the crucial role they play providing students with opportunities in non-traditional alternative pathway programs in the trades and manufacturing sectors.

Disconnected Youth Crisis

A recent Dalio Education report shows there are currently 119,000 disconnected youth between the ages of 14-26 in Connecticut, many of those in high school or recent high school graduates who are struggling to fulfill educational requirements and find a sustainable career path.

“Our education system serves as the most essential vehicle to the future of our workforce,” said CBIA’s Paul Amarone.

“HB 5212 aims to re-engage young people and provide them with the opportunity to work in conjunction with educational institutions and the private sector to find long term, sustainable career paths.”

Connecticut has 86,000 job openings, many in critical sectors of the economy, including defense contracting, medical device manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Connecting students with opportunities in these industries can play a crucial role in closing the jobs gap and growing the workforce.

The legislation now awaits action by the House.


For more information, contact CBIA’s Paul Amarone (860.244.1978).

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