Senator Portantino introduces legislation supporting P-TECH for Early College Programs in California

Thursday, February 15 2018

Sacramento, California- Today, Senator Anthony J. Portantino, D- La Cañada Flintridge, introduced SB 1243 to support early college/high school programs including pathways in technology. The measure will help provide students the opportunity to access college level courses and college degree credits at a high school level. These programs will help target students who are frequently underrepresented in postsecondary education. The bill also provides the opportunity for third party support of high school and college resources to ensure the success of P-TECH programs. P-TECH is a pathway in technology that will aid career training and increase employment in high skilled jobs for students in California.  

“Today, I am proud to present this cutting edge legislation which will expand academic opportunities in our state.  Funding 21st century education will benefit our students and I will to prioritize this issue as long as I’m in the Senate. This bill will help expand opportunities for all students, including those that often lack resources, and will help prepare these students for a successful future,” commented Senator Portantino

Senator Portantino has been a long-time supporter of expanding K-14 education opportunities and has introduced half a dozen bills on the topic. Last year, Senator Portantino introduced SB 25, a bill which required the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) to assess the integration of California’s K-14 schools, examine the best practices models in Europe, and research enrollment programs. This helped formulate an updated education system and improvements in the transition of community college students that are heading to California State and California University systems. As the Chair of the Fiscal Review Subcommittee on Education, Senator Portantino has worked to increase funding for public education and to improve education access and affordability.  

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