What Senate Bill 123 Means for Kansas Teens and Students
In 2023, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly approved Kansas Senate Bill (SB) 123, the Career and Technical Education Credential and Transition Incentive for Employment Success Act. This act requires Kansas school districts that offer career and technical education (CTE) for students in grades 9-12 to pay fees associated with obtaining some credentials.
You probably already know that today’s employers are more eager than ever to hire employees who come trained and ready to go. CTE can jump-start students’ preparation for the workforce by combining classroom education with hands-on training in their preferred career field. Many CTE programs offer the opportunity for students to acquire industry-recognized credentials they can use on their resumes as they apply for jobs or postsecondary education.
These programs are increasingly popular across most high schools, but the credentials often come with associated costs. By potentially covering those costs upon a student’s request, SB 123 removes a significant barrier and makes now the perfect time to encourage your students and teens to investigate CTE opportunities.
The Kansas State Board of Education and Kansas Board of Regents approved a list of eligible industry-sought credentials for the 2023-2024 academic year. Occupations include:
- Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers
- Food service managers
- Computer support specialists
- Emergency medical technicians and paramedics
- Pharmacy technicians
- Medical records specialists
- Nursing assistants
- Dental assistants
- Phlebotomists
- Certified medication aides
- Firefighters
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
- Automotive body and related repairers
- Automotive service technicians and mechanics
- Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
- Farm equipment mechanics
- Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers
- Industrial machinery mechanics
- Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
- Machinists
- Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers
- Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic
- Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer
- Truck drivers, light or delivery services
Keep in mind the approved list of credentials and related occupations is subject to change. Every July, the Kansas State Board of Education and Kansas Board of Regents will survey school districts on which credentials satisfy the current definition of “industry-sought.”
For more information on career readiness opportunities, you or your student should reach out to your school counselor or CTE teacher. Don’t forget to inquire about the reimbursement process for taking an assessment to earn a credential covered under SB 123.