📰 California Passes AB 323: Boosting Paid Work-Based Learning in Community Colleges

Sacramento, CA — October 11, 2025

In a major step toward strengthening career education and workforce readiness, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 323 (AB 323) into law. Authored by Assemblymember Mike Fong, the bill updates the Strong Workforce Program to explicitly support paid work-based learning opportunities for students enrolled in California’s community colleges. [ahed.assembly.ca.gov]

🎓 What AB 323 Does

AB 323 requires the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to revise policies, regulations, and guidance by June 30, 2026, to allow community college districts to use Strong Workforce Program funds for:

  • Paid internships, apprenticeships, and externships
  • Student-run enterprises
  • Direct support to students and employers to increase employability and employment [trackbill.com]

This marks a significant shift from previous interpretations of the Strong Workforce Program, which did not clearly authorize paid placements.

💼 Why It Matters

California’s community colleges are the state’s primary providers of career technical education (CTE), offering programs in fields such as fire technology, welding, healthcare, and mechatronics. AB 323 ensures that students in these programs can gain hands-on experience while being compensated—making education more accessible and aligned with real-world job demands.

According to the bill’s fiscal analysis, the legislation may lead to increased demand for paid placements, creating cost pressures but also expanding opportunities for long-term employment. [trackbill.com]

🔥 Spotlight on Fire Technology Programs

For fire technology students, AB 323 is a game-changer. Programs can now:

  • Partner with local fire departments to offer paid internships and training rotations
  • Use funds to cover certification costs for Firefighter I/II, EMT, and Hazmat credentials
  • Develop student-led emergency response simulations and community outreach initiatives

This not only enhances student learning but also helps departments recruit and train future firefighters—especially critical in wildfire-prone regions.

🧭 What’s Next

Community college districts will begin working with regional consortia and industry partners to implement AB 323. Instructors and program directors are encouraged to:

  • Advocate for funding through their regional Strong Workforce Consortia
  • Build partnerships with local employers and public agencies
  • Design curriculum-integrated work-based learning experiences

📣 Final Word

AB 323 reflects California’s commitment to economic mobility, student success, and industry-aligned education. By expanding paid work-based learning, the state is helping students gain the experience and credentials they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market.