Panel advances plan to pilot middle-school career coaches; bill allows grants and partnerships

Assemblymember Shea Backus presented Assembly Bill 539 to the Assembly Committee on Revenue on behalf of the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Revenue. AB 539 would authorize the Governor's Office of Workforce Innovation to pilot a career-coaching program to place career coaches in middle schools and junior high schools to provide students information and guidance about career pathways and available high-school opportunities.

Program design and intent: The bill directs GOED's workforce office (the Governor's Office of Workforce Innovation) to establish the pilot, accept gifts, donations, grants and other funds, and enter contracts or award grants to support placements "to the extent funds are available." The stated aim is to expose middle-school students to career pathways earlier so students can make more informed high-school course choices, participate in pipelines (education, healthcare, energy and other sectors) and be connected to work-based learning opportunities.

Why it matters: Supporters told the committee the construction trades, healthcare and other industries face labor shortages and that earlier exposure to career pathways can help fill pipelines for skilled jobs. The sponsor noted other states (Mississippi, Maryland) had used federal or ARPA funds to support similar efforts and that the pilot would align middle-school career exploration with existing high-school pathways.

Testimony: Supporters included Transfer (a company offering virtual-reality career exploration), the Nevada Association of School Superintendents, Associated General Contractors (Northern Nevada), and the Las Vegas Chamber. Witnesses said the program could complement existing in-school and nonprofit workforce initiatives, increase student awareness of career options and link middle-school exposure to high-school pathways and work-based learning. Stephen Cohen called in to offer an amendment the sponsor received that morning; the sponsor said she had not had time to fully vet that proposed change but welcomed improving the bill.

Budget and next steps: The bill contains the phrase "to the extent funds are available" and does not appropriate state funds in the presented language. Committee members asked whether the program would seek federal grants or private partnerships; the sponsor and witnesses said that approach is expected, with possible later requests if state funding were required.

Ending: The committee closed the hearing on AB 539 after taking testimony and indicated the sponsor will continue work to refine language and potential funding sources.