Postsecondary and workforce readiness statewide coordinator - position created - duties

(1) (a) There is created the position of postsecondary and workforce readiness statewide coordinator to work under the direction of the state council. The statewide coordinator shall work with and help coordinate the efforts of local education providers, businesses, industry, area technical colleges, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, the department of education, the state council, the career and technical education division within the Colorado community college system, the department of higher education, college preparation programs, and other appropriate entities to raise the level of postsecondary and workforce readiness that Colorado high school graduates have access to, especially with regard to readiness upon high school graduation, for skilled career positions in business and industry, inclusive of indicators identified in the school accountability framework. (b) The executive committee of the state council shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the commissioner of education as necessary to enable the statewide coordinator to collaborate with the office of postsecondary readiness and other appropriate offices and divisions within the department of education in implementing initiatives to increase the level of postsecondary and workforce readiness that high school graduates achieve. (2) (a) The statewide coordinator shall assist local workforce centers and education providers in: (I) Developing and implementing initiatives to increase the level of postsecondary and workforce readiness opportunities that high school graduates have access to, including specialized, industry-based curricula and programs; apprenticeship programs; and internships and externships; (II) Identifying local industry and workforce needs and existing educational tools, programs, and resources to help prepare middle and high school students to meet those needs upon graduating from high school; (III) Working with state and federal programs that provide career and workforce development opportunities for and out-of-school youth and students enrolled in middle and high school and in accessing state or federal money that is available to local education providers to support and implement the programs; (IV) Promoting opportunities for industry to engage with students enrolled in grades six through twelve and out-of-school youth; and (V) Developing partnerships with businesses, industries, unions, area technical colleges, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and other entities to create opportunities for students to participate in educational and training programs that lead to obtaining the skills, credentials, and experience necessary to obtain employment in in-demand occupations in Colorado. (b) The statewide coordinator shall collaborate with the department of education, the department of higher education, and the Colorado community college system to develop and maintain a set of electronic tools and a network of statewide support to provide guidance for local education providers in providing work force readiness programs and initiatives.