Homeschool students in Alabama may soon gain access to career and technical education (CTE) programs offered by public schools if a new bill introduced by State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) is enacted. HB61 would bridge the gap between homeschool education and workforce development by allowing homeschoolers to enroll in CTE classes within their local school districts.
“It allows a homeschooler to go to a career tech program in their county and just for part of the day, for at least one class of the day, and get that training and that opportunity to seek a path after high school that they can’t get when you’re homeschooled,” Dubose told Yellowhammer News.
Under the proposed legislation, homeschool students would be eligible to participate in CTE programs starting during the 2026-27 school year. To enroll in the CTE programs, students must register as nontraditional public school students and pay the same course fees as public school participants. Enrollment priority will be given to public school students, with homeschool students being admitted if space permits.
Previously, school districts in Alabama could choose whether or not to allow homeschoolers to participate in their CTE programs. However, DuBose noted that most districts opted not to, leaving many homeschooled students without access.
“I specifically had a homeschooler in my county of Shelby County that wanted to go to the Shelby County Career Tech program, but they were not allowed to because they were not fully enrolled as a public school student,” Dubose said.
Course fees paid by homeschoolers would help cover the costs associated with their participation in these programs, ensuring that resources for current public school students are not diminished. Additionally, the bill proposes amending the CHOOSE Act to redefine “qualifying educational expenses” to include these fees, potentially making participation more affordable for homeschool families utilizing education savings accounts.
Dubose emphasized the importance of these CTE programs in preparing students for the workforce, particularly as Alabama struggles with one of the lowest workforce participation rates in the nation. “We know that only about 20% of our college graduates will go to a four year college. We want all of them to either go to a four year college or seek some type of additional certification or training after they graduate from high school,” DuBbose said.
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Homeschool families have expressed enthusiasm for the proposed changes, according to DuBose. “Homeschool families are very excited about this. They’re excited about the school choice opportunity. They’re excited about any type of educational opportunities that will expand and diversify educational opportunities for kids.”
The bill nearly passed during the previous legislative session, and Dubose is confident it will be approved this year.
“The bill almost passed last session. It went through the house all the way. It passed out of committee, and it was to be voted on on the Senate floor on the last day, and we just sort of ran out of time. So we have support from all the school board groups, for example, the superintendents, school boards, Alabama Education Association, everybody is supportive of this bill. I don’t see any problem with getting this passed this year.”
Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can email her at [email protected].
