The bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia to enhance career readiness for high school graduates by removing barriers between high schools and community colleges. It specifically adds Braxton County High School as an eligible institution within the community and technical college/career and technical education consortia planning districts. The bill outlines the responsibilities of these consortia, which include assessing workforce development needs, developing integrated secondary and post-secondary programs, and ensuring that educational offerings align with industry standards and labor market demands.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision allowing participating institutions to partner with community and technical colleges outside their designated region if the assigned college does not offer a requested program within one year. This change is intended to facilitate greater collaboration and access to educational resources for students. The bill emphasizes the importance of aligning educational programs with high-demand occupations and ensuring that students are prepared for successful employment upon graduation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-3C-4
Engrossed Version: 18B-3C-4