This bill proposes the establishment of a partnership between Workforce West Virginia's Division of Workforce Development and the West Virginia State Board of Education to create an educational program focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), particularly in chemistry and related careers. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the program will be implemented in phases, initially selecting ten high schools and technical schools for the first two years, after which it will be open to all interested schools in the state. The program aims to provide instructional resources and access to an interactive educational platform for both students and teachers, enhancing their training in STEM fields.

Funding for this initiative will be provided by the Department of Commerce, and the program is designed to align with existing digital literacy standards. Additionally, by January 1, 2027, the State Board of Education is required to submit an evaluation of the program's impact on student performance and progress, along with recommendations for its future continuation, expansion, or modification. This bill seeks to enhance STEM education in West Virginia high schools and technical schools through a structured partnership and comprehensive implementation plan.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21A-12-1