Local and regional boards of education are authorized to enter into agreements with business firms, as defined in § 12-631, to develop for implementation, programs to be conducted jointly by such local or regional boards of education and business firms which provide training and experience in the business activities of such business firms which, in the opinion of such local or regional board of education, would be of substantial educational benefit to the participating students. Such agreements shall be limited in duration to one school year, provided this provision shall not be construed to prohibit any such local or regional board or any such business firm from entering into subsequent one-year agreements. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit one or more local or regional boards of education or one or more business firms from entering into any such valid agreement jointly. The State Board of Education shall collect information on exemplary programs and provide local and regional boards of education with such information on or before January 15, 1985, in order to encourage development and implementation of such programs. Not later than July 1, 1984, the Department of Education shall notify local and regional boards of education and municipalities of the program established pursuant to this section and the requirements for eligibility under chapter 228a.