currently serve 12,500,000 high school and college students and boast a graduation rate of about 90 percent, which is 15 percent higher than the national average. (6) Career-connected learning programs, which integrate college preparatory academics, technical training, work-based learning, and support, have had positive outcomes for students. (7) Six out of ten students plan to pursue a career related to the career-connected learning programs they are exploring in high school. (8) According to the Census Bureau 33.4 percent of individuals in the United States hold college degrees as of 2017, which falls drastically short of meeting the national need for skilled labor and demonstrates that traditional college career paths only work for about 30 percent of individuals in the United States. (9) While career and technical education models have been piloted across the United States, grant programs need to be expanded to encourage additional school districts to offer students opportunities for career-connected learning, including apprenticeships, and project-based learning pathways. (10) Career and technical education programs should incentivize school districts to offer summer internships or course credit through opportunities created by business and community partnerships. 3. State Skills Education Coalitions (a) In General Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall award grants to States to establish a statewide career pathways coalition (in this section referred to as a coalition ). (b) Eligible Entities Any State agency responsible for carrying out educational programs in a State shall be eligible for a grant awarded under subsection (a). (c) Use of Funds Funds made available under such a grant shall be used for— (1) convening employers to discuss local workforce needs and trends