The proposed bill aims to establish the "Governor's Cup Challenge," a new initiative designed to provide scholarships for high school student-athletes who have participated in athletic extracurricular activities but did not receive an athletic scholarship to an in-state institution of higher education. The scholarships will support these athletes as they pursue their education at their chosen in-state institutions. The bill introduces a new section, 18C-1-4a, to the Code of West Virginia, which outlines the framework for this challenge.

The Governor's Cup Challenge will feature annual athletic contests between Marshall University and West Virginia University, with the winning institution earning points towards the overall challenge. Twenty percent of the net profits from these events will be allocated to the newly created "West Virginia Athlete Scholarship Fund," which will distribute funds to both institutions for scholarships aimed at in-state high school athletes. The bill also designates oversight of the challenge and the scholarship fund to the vice chancellor for administration, ensuring proper management and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18C-1-4a