2. a. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, shall establish an awards program to be known as the “Career and Technical Education Scholar Awards.” The awards program shall annually recognize outstanding career and technical education students who:

(1) demonstrate a high level of achievement in a career and technical education program as exemplified by course grades, industry-recognized technical assessments, and teacher recommendations;

(2) demonstrate a high level of achievement in at least three academic classes, as exemplified by course grades, end-of-course assessments, and teacher recommendations;

(3) successfully complete a college-level course or a work-based learning experience including, but not limited to, employment under a cooperative education agreement, an internship, or a work-based structured learning experience; and

(4) participate in a career and technical education student organization or a community service project that demonstrates the application of career and technical skills.

b. The department shall establish an application procedure and criteria and guidelines for the eligibility, nomination, and judging of applications for the awards program.

c. The department shall post the names of the recipients of the “Career and Technical Education Scholar Awards” prominently on its website, and shall recognize the recipients through the award of a certificate, a press announcement, or another form of recognition deemed appropriate to highlight the achievements of the recipients. The department may coordinate with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in recognizing the award recipients.

L.2023, c.47, s.2.