Strong Workforce Program: work-based learning opportunities.

Assembly Member Fong's proposal to modify California's Strong Workforce Program would require the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office to establish policies enabling paid work-based learning opportunities by June 2026. The legislation amends existing education code to authorize community college districts to use program funds for supporting both students and employers in paid apprenticeships, internships, externships, and student-run enterprises.

The bill maintains the Strong Workforce Program's current funding structure, where 40% of funds go to regional consortia for prioritized projects and 60% flows directly to community college districts. Within this framework, it expands allowable uses of district funds to include direct support for paid work-based learning initiatives aimed at increasing student employability and employment outcomes. Districts must continue participating in regional workforce planning efforts and meeting existing program requirements to receive funding.

These modifications build upon the program's established mission of expanding career technical education and workforce development opportunities through collaboration between community colleges, local educational agencies, employers, and workforce partners. The changes preserve existing accountability measures, including performance metrics tied to unemployment rates, career technical education enrollment, projected job openings, and workforce outcomes under federal law.