The board of directors of a school district or the authorities in charge of a nonpublic school may require a certain number of service learning units as a condition for the inclusion of a service learning endorsement on a student’s diploma or as a condition of graduation from the district or school. For purposes of this section, “service learning” means a method of teaching and learning which engages students in solving problems and addressing issues in their school or greater community as part of the academic curriculum.

1. If the general assembly appropriates moneys for the establishment of a career pathways program, the department of education shall develop a career pathways grant program, criteria for the formation of ongoing career pathways consortia in each merged area, and guidelines and a process to be used in selecting career pathways consortium grant recipients, including a requirement that grant recipients shall provide matching funds or match grant funds with in-kind resources on a dollar-for-dollar basis. A portion of the moneys appropriated by the general assembly shall be made available to schools to pay for the issuance of employability skills assessments to public or nonpublic school students. An existing partnership or organization, including a regional career and technical education planning partnership, that meets the established criteria, may be considered a consortium for grant application purposes. One or more school districts may be considered a consortium for grant application purposes, provided the district can demonstrate the manner in which a community college, area education agency, representatives from business and labor organizations, and others as determined within the region will be involved. Existing regional career and technical education planning partnerships are encouraged to assist the local consortia in developing a plan and budget. The department shall provide assistance to consortia in planning and implementing career pathways program efforts.

2. To be eligible for a career pathways grant, a career pathways consortium shall develop a career pathways program that includes but is not limited to the following:

3. In addition to the provisions of subsection 2, a career pathways program may include but is not limited to the following: ...

e. Service learning opportunities for students.