Gov. Sam Brownback is proposing changes in technical education funding in an effort to get more Kansas students to pursue career certification while still in high school.

The plan outlined Monday would provide tuition funding for students who want to enroll in technical education programs at community colleges and vocational schools. The goal is to get certification in career training before they graduate high school and so they are ready to work or work toward an advanced degree.

Brownback will fund the $20.5 million initiative by putting technical education funding for public schools toward tuition and transportation costs. He also proposes increasing aid to community colleges for technical courses.

Monday was the opening day of the legislative session.