The proposed bill aims to establish the West Virginia TEACH Scholarship Program, which is designed to enhance the quality of child-care in the state and improve workforce participation rates by providing access to affordable higher education for child-care workers. The bill introduces a new article to the Code of West Virginia, which includes definitions, eligibility requirements, and the establishment of the West Virginia TEACH Scholarship Program Fund. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission will administer the program, awarding scholarships to eligible applicants who meet specific criteria, including employment at an eligible child-care facility and enrollment in an early childhood education program.

Key provisions of the bill include the creation of the scholarship program, the establishment of eligibility and renewal requirements, and the requirement for scholarship recipients to enter into agreements that may necessitate repayment if they choose to reside outside the state after obtaining their degree. The bill also mandates the Commission to report annually on the program's effectiveness and to propose legislative rules for its implementation. The West Virginia TEACH Scholarship Program Fund will be created to manage the financial resources allocated for the scholarships, which may include state appropriations and contributions from other sources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18C-10-1, 18C-10-2, 18C-10-3, 18C-10-4, 18C-10-5, 18C-10-6