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Sponsors pitch GRAD Act to connect juniors and seniors with careers, training and local services
Summary
Representatives Williams and Santucci presented HB119, the Graduation Readiness and Development (GRAD) Act, proposing DEW‑administered exit orientation programs for 11th–12th graders to connect students with education, workforce, apprenticeships, health resources and voter registration; sponsors said they expect little to no added district cost and will work with local agencies on coordination.
Representatives Williams and Santucci introduced House Bill 119, the Graduation Readiness and Development (GRAD) Act, asking the House Education Committee to require the Department of Educational Workforce to establish an exit-orientation program for 11th- and 12th-grade students statewide.
The sponsors said the program would go beyond a traditional job fair to link juniors and seniors with a range of post‑graduation options, including federal and state financial-aid programs, internships and apprenticeships, technical and vocational education, OhioMeansJobs resources, military-enlistment information, voter registration and local health and STD-testing clinics. Representative Williams said, “By diversifying and illuminating the options available to these students, we can help them make informed decisions about their future.”
Why it matters: Sponsors framed the bill as a tool to reduce student debt and increase access to well‑paying jobs by exposing students to alternatives to a four‑year degree. Representative Santucci cited labor-market data and said many in‑demand jobs in Ohio do not require a four‑year degree; he described the bill as a way to tailor events to local labor markets by requiring collaboration between school districts, local workforce development boards and OhioMeansJobs centers.
Key program details and limits: Sponsors told the committee they do not expect significant new costs for districts because events would be coordinated with agencies that already provide resources. They said DEW would draft administrative rules, could allow waivers or alternative assignments for students already on defined paths (for example, those enlisted in the military or holding scholarships), and that educational service centers (ESCs) could help with coordination. The sponsors also said the bill excludes businesses whose primary revenue is adult entertainment from participating.
Questions from committee members focused on cost, local control and access for career‑tech students. Representative Robinson asked whether the program would impose new costs; Representative Williams replied the sponsors “don't anticipate any additional cost” and that DEW would produce rules and return with recommendations if implementation requires funds. Representative Brennan asked whether attendance would be required for graduation; sponsors said the program would be made available by schools but would not be a diploma requirement and could permit alternative assignments under DEW rules.
What happens next: Sponsors said they expect proponent testimony from ESC representatives, superintendents and other stakeholders in future committee sessions. The committee did not take a vote during this first hearing.
