The proposed bill amends the Nebraska Career Scholarship Act to enhance the requirements for postsecondary institutions regarding participation in the Nebraska Statewide Workforce and Education Reporting System. It mandates that the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges, the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska, and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education must not allocate any funds under the Nebraska Career Scholarship Act to any institution that fails to comply with the data submission requirements outlined in their respective memoranda of understanding. This aims to ensure that all institutions contribute to a comprehensive workforce and education reporting system.

Additionally, the bill outlines the eligibility criteria for scholarship recipients at state colleges, universities, and community colleges, specifying the maximum scholarship amounts and the types of programs that qualify. It emphasizes the importance of students obtaining internships or employment in their field of study before completing their programs. The bill also requires annual reporting on various metrics related to enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and employment outcomes for scholarship recipients, thereby promoting accountability and transparency in the use of scholarship funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 85-3003, 85-3004, 85-3005