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Learn and Earn Continues Glidepath Toward Law
Legislation by Sen. Beth Mizell (R-Franklinton) to strengthen workforce pathways for students took another step forward today as LA Driven-Approved SB 376 made its House debut in the Education Committee without issue, moving the proposal closer to the governor’s desk.
SB 376 creates a statewide framework to better align education with the needs of Louisiana’s evolving workforce by expanding access to meaningful, work-based learning opportunities. The bill authorizes local school systems to establish “career practicums” that blend classroom instruction with real-world experience in a controlled and legally secure manner. It also encourages broader access to internships, apprenticeships and hands-on training tied directly to industry demand—an approach long championed by LABI.
“We want kids to have those soft skills so they can graduate high school and know how to operate as an adult in a successful environment,” Sen. Mizell said. “This is a great opportunity for them to do that and to engage them in possibilities they don’t even know exist right now. There are so many fields and opportunities that they haven’t been exposed to.”
The measure strengthens partnerships between K–12 schools, higher education institutions and the private sector, helping ensure students graduate with in-demand skills and clearer pathways into the workforce. By expanding opportunities to earn industry credentials, develop practical job skills and, in some cases, receive wages while still in school, SB 376 supports the development of a stronger statewide talent pipeline.
Also getting the Committee’s stamp of approval without a problem was SB 305 by Sen. Rick Edmonds (R-Baton Rouge). The LA Driven-Approved measure requires the Louisiana Board of Regents, Louisiana Works and other relevant agencies to develop a publicly accessible career alignment data dashboard. The practical tool would map educational programs to the career outcomes they produce, giving students clearer insight into pathways across the state and the training needed to pursue them.
Transparency at this level makes a real difference. When students can see the opportunities available and the pathways to reach them, they’re more likely to pursue high-wage, high-demand careers and put down roots in Louisiana.