On February 25, MACo President Jack Wilson testified before the Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 772 – Education – Career Counseling Program for Middle and High School Students – Alterations with amendments.
This bill would continue the intent of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (“The Blueprint”) that local workforce development boards receive funds dedicated to student career counseling and readiness and oversee such programs.
The Blueprint places a deeper emphasis on alternative education and workforce development especially on career and technical education (CTE) and developing pathways for Maryland high schoolers to pursue careers instead of traditional post-secondary college or university. One way that the Blueprint envisions doing so is by creating Local Career Counseling Agreements in each county between the local board of education, local workforce development board, and the county’s community college.
Counties are proud fiduciary supporters of local workforce development boards, community colleges, and public schools. HB 772 will help ensure that career readiness is prioritized in public education, as intended by the Blueprint, and will clarify expectations on the funding and operations of related programs.
HB 772 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee, on April 2. As amended, MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill.
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