This bill amends the West Virginia Code to establish a Workforce Pell Grant program aimed at enhancing short-term workforce training opportunities. It directs the West Virginia Workforce Development Board to assist the Governor in determining the eligibility of these training programs for Workforce Pell Grants. The bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "high-skill industry sector," "high-wage industry sector," and "in-demand industry sector," and outlines the criteria that short-term workforce training programs must meet to qualify for these grants. Additionally, it mandates that institutions offering approved programs report annually on completion rates, job placement rates, and earnings.

The bill also outlines the duties of the Workforce Development Board in administering the Workforce Pell Grant program, including establishing an application process for institutions, coordinating with other workforce programs, and reviewing approved programs annually to ensure they align with labor market needs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for consistency with federal law and requires the development of rules for implementation. The provisions of this article are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-2B-4, 5B-12-1, 5B-12-2, 5B-12-3, 5B-12-4, 5B-12-5
Committee Substitute: 5B-2B-4, 5B-12-1, 5B-12-2, 5B-12-3, 5B-12-4, 5B-12-5, 5B-12-6