H.R. 4965: Counseling for Career Choice Act

The bill, titled the Counseling for Career Choice Act, proposes to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by enhancing career counseling opportunities through student support and academic enrichment grants. Here’s a summary of what the bill involves:

Key Provisions

• Career Guidance Programs: The bill aims to provide improved guidance for school career counseling programs, assisting both counselors and students interested in exploring career paths.
• Assessment of Counseling Activities: It emphasizes identifying and evaluating school counseling activities and exploring available postsecondary options both within and outside the state.
• Workforce Trends: The legislation encourages collaboration with state and regional entities to identify current workforce trends, which can help inform career counseling efforts.
• Access to Information: A process will be developed to help school counselors access information related to the identified workforce trends, guiding students in their career choices.
• Relevant Information for Counselors: The bill stipulates that counselors will receive training on providing students with essential information about workforce opportunities, financial aid, personal counseling, and guidance on academic paths aligned with career goals.
• Financial Literacy: It includes financial literacy initiatives to enhance students' understanding of the financial aspects of education and career choices.
• Professional Development: The bill advocates for professional development and certification programs for school counselors to ensure they are well-equipped to help students prepare for postsecondary opportunities.
• Enhanced Postsecondary Opportunities: It promotes the establishment and improvement of various postsecondary opportunities, including:
  • Individual career planning
  • Personalized learning plans
  • Registered apprenticeships
  • Internships
  • Dual enrollment programs
  • Programs leading to recognized postsecondary credentials
  • 2-year and 4-year degree programs
• Partnerships with Career Centers: The bill encourages partnerships with local one-stop career centers to facilitate job fairs, career days, and other related events, potentially integrating these services within high schools.
• Use of Technology: It promotes leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to support career development and counseling activities.
• Outcome Evaluation: Provisions are made for evaluating the outcomes of individuals who participate in school or other career counseling programs, allowing for assessments of their success in secondary and postsecondary education.

Funding Appropriation

The adjustments outlined in this bill will be supported through existing grants provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, aimed at enhancing the efficacy and reach of career counseling in schools.

Implementation

This bill seeks to create a more structured and resourceful approach to career counseling in schools, thereby aiming to better prepare students for the workforce and higher education pathways by providing them with relevant information, skills, and opportunities.

Relevant Companies

• None found