California Education and Workforce Development Coordinating Entity: Career Technical Education and Career Pathways Grant Program.

Senator Padilla's career technical education legislation establishes a new grant program and statewide coordinating entity to expand workforce development opportunities in high-need areas. The Career Technical Education and Career Pathways Grant Program will provide funding to local educational agencies serving high poverty or high unemployment areas for apprenticeships, dual enrollment, work-based learning, and other career pathway initiatives aligned with regional workforce needs.

The bill creates the California Education and Workforce Development Coordinating Entity within the Government Operations Agency to oversee statewide career technical education planning and implementation. This 16-member body includes representatives from higher education systems, workforce development boards, labor organizations, and student groups. The entity will streamline program requirements, develop a comprehensive state plan, and coordinate learning opportunities across educational systems to enhance access to training and career advancement.

Grant recipients must partner with community college districts and demonstrate collaboration with employers to provide work-based learning opportunities aligned with labor market demands. The program prioritizes historically underrepresented communities, including foster youth, adult learners, English language learners, and low-income students. Recipients must collect and report data on job placement outcomes. A new diversity, equity and inclusion subcommittee will guide implementation strategies for underserved populations, including developing metrics to evaluate program effectiveness in areas like outreach, job retention, and addressing labor market inequities.