Sophomores will be able to participate in more school-sponsored career opportunities beginning with the 2021-2022 school year under legislation has signed into law. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, is the author of Senate Bill 619 allowing sophomores, 16 years or older, to apply for apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships through their school.
Currently, only juniors and seniors can participate in the job training program. SB 619 will allow school districts to purchase liability insurance coverage to extend these career opportunities to sophomores. Schools cannot charge participants or their parents for the insurance.
School districts are protected under the Governmental Tort Claims Act and any school board that does not obtain insurance will not be held legally liable.
Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, was the principal House author of the measure.
The new law, which goes into effect July 1, 2021, further directs the State Board of Education to review apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships to determine their eligibility for academic credit towards graduation requirements.
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