The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the structure and function of community and technical college/career and technical education consortia planning districts. A significant change includes the addition of Braxton County High School as a participating institution in the Southeastern District, which encompasses several counties including Raleigh, Summers, and Nicholas. The bill also allows for partnerships outside the designated region under specific conditions, particularly when the assigned facilitating community and technical college does not offer a requested program within two years of a formal request.

The legislation outlines the responsibilities of the consortia, which include conducting comprehensive assessments of workforce needs, developing integrated secondary and post-secondary programs, and ensuring that educational offerings align with labor market demands. It emphasizes collaboration among community colleges, technical education centers, and local businesses to create a cohesive educational framework that prepares students for high-demand occupations. Additionally, the bill mandates annual evaluations and reporting on the progress of these consortia to ensure accountability and effectiveness in meeting workforce development goals.

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