This bill proposes the establishment of a trades-based elective course pilot program for high school students in West Virginia, designated as section 18-2E-14 of the Code of West Virginia. The program aims to empower students interested in pursuing careers in the trades by offering a specific elective course that covers essential subjects such as English, language arts, and science, with a focus on trade-specific information. The course will be taught by qualified instructors, including existing faculty from community and technical colleges, and will count for one credit toward graduation. The program will be implemented in various geographic regions of the state, ensuring accessibility for students across West Virginia.

Funding for the pilot program will be sourced from existing funds, with the potential for additional support through industry grants and private contributions. The program is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, coinciding with the 2025/2026 school year. Additionally, the West Virginia State Board of Education is required to report on the program's effectiveness and implementation to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability (LOCEA) by July 30, 2026, with ongoing reports for three years to assess the overall success of the initiative.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2E-14