Compete for the Future Act of 2018

To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a prize competition on programs to prepare high school students for careers in in-demand industry sectors or occupations. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Compete for the Future Act of 2018 2. Establishment of prize competition (a) Prize competition (1) In general From the amounts appropriated under subsection (d) 15 U.S.C. 3719 (2) Selection In selecting a winner for each prize, the Secretary shall evaluate how successfully an eligible program provides high school students with the rigorous and challenging academic and technical knowledge and skills such students need to prepare for careers in in-demand industry sectors or occupations, including by earning an industry-recognized certificate or credential or by entering a postsecondary apprenticeship. (3) Priority In evaluating eligible programs for each prize, the Secretary shall give priority to applications from eligible programs that are located in or adjacent to a census tract that is certified and designated as a qualified opportunity zone (as defined in section 1400Z–1 (b) Eligible program The term eligible program (1) prepares high school students to enter and succeed in an in-demand industry sector or occupation by— (A) entering an apprenticeship program upon completion of the eligible program; or (B) earning a recognized credential upon completion of the eligible program; (2) has a documented industry partnership; and (3) incorporates training and curriculum based on industry standards and approved by the documented industry partnership that will prepare individuals with the skills and competencies needed to enter an in-demand industry sector or occupation. (c) Report Not later than 120 days after the conclusion of a prize competition under subsection (a) (d) Other definitions In this Act: (1) Apprenticeship The term apprenticeship National Apprenticeship Act 29 U.S.C. 50 (2) Documented industry partnership The term documented industry partnership (A) State or local government; (B) State or local economic development agencies; (C) a recognized State labor organization or central labor council, or another labor representative, as appropriate; (D) State boards or local boards, as appropriate; (E) a State workforce agency or other entity providing employment services; (F) an institution of higher education with, or another provider of, education or training programs that support the industry; (G) business or trade associations; (H) economic development organizations; (I) nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, or intermediaries; (J) industry associations; and (K) other organizations, as determined to be necessary by the members comprising the documented industry partnership. (3) High school The term high school 20 U.S.C. 7801 (4) In-demand industry sector or occupation The term in-demand industry sector or occupation 29 U.S.C. 3102 (5) Recognized credential The term recognized credential (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 to carry out this Act.

Summary: Compete for the Future Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Education to establish a prize competition for certain programs designed to prepare high school students to enter and succeed in an in-demand industry sector or occupation. Such programs are those that: (1) prepare students to enter and succeed in such sector or occupation by entering an apprenticeship program, or by earning a recognized credential, upon completion; (2) have a documented industry partnership; and (3) incorporate training and curriculum based on industry standards and approved by the partnership that will prepare individuals with the skills and competencies needed to enter an in-demand industry sector or occupation.