The proposed bill aims to establish the Great Expectations Pilot Program within West Virginia's community and technical college system to support foster children transitioning to higher education. The program will pair foster children with specialized coaches who will assist them in assessing their skills and interests, planning for college enrollment, and navigating the application process. The coaches will also help with financial aid, scholarships, and transportation arrangements, ensuring that these vulnerable students receive the necessary support to succeed in their educational pursuits.

Funding for the program is set at $95,000 per year, sourced from a newly created special revenue account, which will cover the salary and benefits of the coaches as well as related recruitment and support activities. The pilot program is scheduled to commence on September 1, 2025, and will run for three years, after which an evaluation will be conducted to assess its effectiveness and potential for broader implementation across the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-3G-1, 18B-3G-2, 18B-3G-3, 18B-3G-4