A school district, in partnership with community colleges, local employers, and community-based organizations, may establish a vocational academy that is eligible for a grant under this Act if the vocational academy meets all of the following requirements:

1. (1) The vocational academy must have a minimum 5-clock-hour day, as required under Section 10-19.05 of the School Code, and be under the direct supervision of teachers.
2. (2) The vocational academy must be a 2-year school within a school program for grades 10 through 12 that is organized around a career theme and operated as a business-education partnership.
3. (3) The vocational academy must be a career-oriented program that uses the direct involvement of local employers to provide students with an education and the skills needed for employment.
4. (4) The vocational academy must be a standards-based educational program that prepares students both academically and technically for entrance into postsecondary education or careers in a selected field.
5. (5) The curriculum of the vocational academy must be based on the Illinois Learning Standards, and work-site training must provide students with learning experiences for entry-level employment in the local job market and lifelong learning skills for higher education.

(Source: P.A. 101-12, eff. 7-1-19.)