A. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the governing body of each public, private, magnet, charter or virtual charter school in this state (the school) is authorized to enter into an agreement with private or public organizations for the purpose of creating apprenticeship, internship and mentorship programs. Apprenticeships, internships and mentorships may be available to high school sophomores age sixteen (16) or older, juniors and seniors as permitted by each school. The apprenticeship, internship or mentorship may fill the requirement of elective courses as the student's schedule permits. A student may not use the apprenticeship, internship or mentorship to replace any other state education requirement, except as provided for in subsection D of this section.
B. The governing body of each school shall have the authority to adopt policies regarding the creation of apprenticeships, internships and mentorships that include the registration and qualifications for private or public organizations to participate in the apprenticeship, internship or mentorship program.
C. 1. The governing body of each school may obtain liability insurance coverage to protect a student who participates in an apprenticeship, internship or mentorship program authorized by this section. The coverage authorized by this subsection shall be obtained from a reliable insurer authorized to do business in this state and shall not exceed the amount that is deemed reasonably necessary in the opinion of the governing body of each school.
2. The governing body of a school may not directly or indirectly charge a student or the student's parent or legal guardian for the cost of providing insurance coverage pursuant to this subsection.
3. The failure of a governing body to obtain insurance coverage authorized by this subsection or to obtain a specific amount of coverage may not be construed as placing any legal liability on the governing body of the school.
D. The State Board of Education may develop rules to determine if apprenticeships, internships and mentorships established pursuant to this section are eligible for academic credit toward meeting the graduation requirements set forth in Section 11-103.6 of this title.
Added by Laws 2016, c. 244, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2016. Amended by Laws 2021, c. 418, § 1, eff. July 1, 2021.