HB373 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kelvin LawrenceRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Alabama Workforce Pathways Act, different pathways for high school diplomas based on future career plans

Summary

HB373 creates a new Workforce Pathways diploma option, expands career and technical education facilities, and adds scholarships for short-term credentials to help students enter the workforce.

What This Bill Does

HB373 would create the Alabama Workforce Pathways Act and establish a new Workforce Pathways diploma at the K-12 level. The curriculum for this diploma would be developed within 120 days after Board approval. Students following the Workforce Pathways would need only two math credits and two science credits to graduate (instead of four each), and those who do not plan to attend college could earn graduation credits through career and technical education courses. The bill also supports expanding and upgrading career and technical education centers and provides for scholarships through the Alabama Short-Term Credential Program, both subject to funding, with an effective date of October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• High school students who choose the Workforce Pathways diploma: their graduation requirements change to two math credits and two science credits, plus possible CTE credits toward graduation, and they may enter the workforce directly after high school.
• School districts and state education agencies (State Board of Education and Department of Education) responsible for implementing the diploma, developing the curriculum, coordinating with local boards, and pursuing funding for CTE centers and short-term credential scholarships.

Key Provisions

• Creates a new Workforce Pathways diploma at the K-12 level.
• Requires the Department of Education to develop the curriculum within 120 days after Board approval.
• Workforce Pathways diploma requires two math credits and two science credits to graduate (instead of four each).
• Allows credits earned through career and technical education courses to count toward graduation for students not planning to attend postsecondary education.
• State Board may seek funding to refurbish, construct, or upgrade career and technical education centers so there is a center within reasonable distance of every high school; centers may be shared among districts.
• Legislature may provide funding for the Alabama Short-Term Credential Program to offer scholarships for training through the Alabama Community College System.
• Effective date: October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education