1. A. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 904 of Title 40 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Oklahoma Workforce Commission shall implement programs in this state to address the following:

   1. 1. Development of a workforce in high demand occupations or critical occupations as determined by the Oklahoma Workforce Commission. Actions taken by the Commission may include:

      1. a. identifying the needs of higher education institutions suited for certain high demand or critical workforce areas and helping the institutions develop and implement plans to address those needs,
      2. b. identify outcomes based on funding,
      3. c. identifying and partnering for scholarship match opportunities for students interested in these high demand and critical workforce fields, and
      4. d. helping institutions increase program capacity;
   2. 2. Development of work-based learning opportunities, which may include, but not be limited to, internships, apprenticeships, and other career exploration and exposure; and

   3. 3. Development of innovation within public schools as defined in Section 1-106 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes that supports workforce success, which may include:

      1. a. developing enhanced or unique education pathways,
      2. b. utilizing development grants for basic skills development,
      3. c. utilizing regulatory innovation grants, and
      4. d. assisting in the development of career-connected high schools.
2. B. The Commission may administer these programs through funds in the Oklahoma Workforce Commission Revolving Fund created in Section 3 of this act.
3. C. The Commission shall promulgate rules necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

Laws 2025, SB 662, c. 408, § 2.