This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to include Potomac State College of West Virginia University as an eligible institution for permanent participation in the "Learn and Earn Program." The legislation removes the designation of the program as a "pilot" initiative, allowing for ongoing participation rather than a temporary trial period. The bill emphasizes the importance of cooperative education programs in providing access to technical education for West Virginians who need to maintain full-time employment while studying.

Additionally, the bill outlines that participating institutions must meet the definition of a community and technical college and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match from employers for student salaries during the program. The council is tasked with defining the application process and may use funds from the Workforce Development Initiative to implement these provisions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance workforce development by making technical education more accessible and sustainable for students in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-3D-6