To enact section 3365.16 of the Revised Code to create a subprogram of the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program that permits students to participate in certified apprenticeship programs.

Section 1.  That section 3365.16 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 3365.16.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Eligible student" means an Ohio resident who is enrolled in a school district, chartered nonpublic school, community school, or STEM school and is at least sixteen years of age.

(2) "Apprenticeship program" means any apprenticeship program that is certified or registered by the United States department of labor.

(B) There is hereby created a subprogram of the post-secondary enrollment options program under which, beginning with 2014-2015 school year, an eligible student may participate in an apprenticeship program not offered by the student's secondary school. The subprogram shall operate in accordance with rules adopted under division (C) of this section.

(C) Not later than December 31, 2013, the chancellor of the Ohio board of regents and the superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the director of development and the administrator of workers' compensation, shall develop a proposal to implement the subprogram as prescribed by this section and submit it to the state board of education for consideration. Not later than June 30, 2014, upon consideration of that proposal, the state board shall adopt rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, to implement the subprogram. The rules shall include at least all of the following:

(1) Requirements a student must fulfill in order to participate in the subprogram, including a minimum grade point average of 2.5 out of a 4.0, or its equivalent;

(2) A process by which a student may secure an apprenticeship;

(3) A process for approval of each student's apprenticeship, including a method for evaluating the educational benefits of the apprenticeship;

(4) A stipulation of the maximum number of hours per week a student may work as an apprentice;

(5) A method for determining actual costs to a business for participation in the subprogram, including workers' compensation and other insurance costs and training costs;

(6) A funding formula for students enrolled in a school district, community school, or STEM school, including a maximum amount, to pay businesses for costs associated with employing students under the subprogram. The amount paid for the subprogram as determined by rule adopted under this section for each participant shall be subtracted from the payments made to the participant's school district under Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code or from the participant's community school or STEM school under section 3314.08 or 3326.33 of the Revised Code.

(7) A funding formula for students enrolled in a nonpublic school, including a maximum amount, to pay businesses for costs associated with employing students under the subprogram. The amount paid for each student participating in the subprogram shall be subtracted from moneys specifically appropriated by the general assembly for such purpose.

(8) The method for making payments to participating businesses;

(9) A method by which credits for a certificate or certificates earned in an apprenticeship under the subprogram may transfer for college credit. Each college shall determine whether or not to accept work credits under the subprogram.

(D) Not later than July 1, 2016, and the first day of July every fifth year thereafter, the chancellor and the department of education shall submit a report on the effectiveness of the subprogram to the governor and general assembly in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code.