Statement from Ohio Excels President Lisa Gray on Senate Bill 328

January 27, 2026

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Jim Lynch, (614) 832-7295

Senate Bill 328 Would Boost Workforce Readiness for Ohio Students

COLUMBUS — Middle and high school students could better connect their educational experiences to viable career paths in Ohio, under a bipartisan bill sponsored by State Sen. Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield).

For 43% of the 138,038 students who started high school in the Class of 2018—the most recent cohort for which complete data are available—high school was their last formal education stop before entering the workforce, according to research by Ohio Excels, a business-backed, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving the state’s education system.

While many students pursue additional education after high school, nearly half of those who go on do not earn a degree. A recent poll conducted by Ohio Excels shows that 86% of Ohio parents believe it is important for their child to have a plan that maps out a pathway to a career after high school or college.

Based on this analysis, Ohio Excels convened the Career-Connected Learning Coalition, a group of leaders who represent teachers, superintendents, school counselors, career-tech leaders, business groups, state agencies, regional partnerships, and other advocates, to develop a proposal to begin improving student workforce readiness and address these challenges that became SB 328.

In advocating for this legislation, Koehler said that Ohio's workforce depends on students who graduate fully prepared to step into the opportunities of today’s economy.

“Workforce needs are why Senate Bill 328 is so critical,” Koehler said. “Not enough middle and high schools are providing career-connected learning, and too many students miss opportunities essential to their success, long-term economic stability, and to Ohio’s competitiveness.”

Among co-sponsors of the workforce readiness legislation are a strong coalition from both parties, including Sens. Willis Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton), Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), and Jane Timken (R-Jackson Township).

Middle school career exploration for students in grades 6-8 would be required beginning in the 2026–27 school year, under SB 328. Students will complete a half unit of career exploration (unless the district submits an approved alternative plan) that includes exposure to Ohio’s 16 career clusters through hands-on learning, career interest and aptitude assessments, at least one career coaching session, early financial planning, and professional and soft skills development, and development of a personalized academic and career plan according to the legislation.

The bill also strengthens Ohio’s ability to use data more effectively through the Education and Workforce Return on Investment (ROI) Initiative. This enterprise requires state agencies to work together to link and analyze data across systems, making it possible to identify which programs deliver the strongest outcomes for students, employers, and taxpayers. 

Starting with 8th-grade students in the 2026–27 school year, every student will prepare a personalized academic and career plan that includes their strengths, interests, and aptitudes, career pathway alignment, academic, financial, and lifestyle goals, and a roadmap to meet graduation requirements tailored to their individual plan, under the legislation. Students’ plans will culminate in a professional resume completed by the student’s senior year. The plans would also be updated annually, transferable, and accessible to families year round.

SB 328 reflects exactly the kind of clear, structured approach that Ohio’s business community has been calling for, said Ohio Excels President Lisa Gray.

“This legislation will help every student explore careers, build essential professional skills, and chart a meaningful path after high school,” Gray said. “We are grateful for Senator Koehler’s leadership in strengthening the connection between education and workforce readiness and ensuring that Ohio is preparing students for the opportunities of the future.”

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About Ohio Excels: Ohio Excels is a non-partisan, non-profit organization created in 2018 by leaders of Ohio’s business community who are committed to helping improve educational outcomes for Ohio’s students and ensuring that all K-12 schools prepare students for success in the next step of their lives, whether it is higher education, the military or the workforce.