Sophomores will be able to participate in more school-sponsored career opportunities beginning with the 2021-2022 school year under legislation signed into law. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, is the author of Senate Bill 619 allowing sophomores, 16 years or older, to apply for apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships through their school.

Bullard said, “It’s one thing to see jobs on TV or read about them in books, but this program helps them learn what additional training or education they may need and what the daily demands are of the job to see if it’s really something they love and would excel at.”

Currently, only juniors and seniors can participate in the job training program. SB 619 will allow school districts to purchase liability insurance coverage to extend these career opportunities to sophomores.