This bill seeks to amend various sections of the Code of West Virginia concerning higher education grants, scholarships, loans, and financial aid, with a particular emphasis on workforce development. It proposes the repeal of section 18B-3D-6 and amends sections 18B-3D-1 through 18B-3D-5, as well as several sections under 18C. Notable changes include redefining the learn and earn grant program to allow for block grants, modifying the medical student loan program, and replacing scholarship language with loan repayment language in health sciences and mental health provider programs. The bill also enhances the higher education grant program by permitting part-time enrollment and merging it with the adult part-time student grant program, which will be renamed the higher education workforce grant program.

Additionally, the bill introduces new programs such as the Workforce Development Grant Program and the Learn and Earn Grant Program, which aims to provide students with paid work experience in high-demand occupations. It expands the Medical Student Loan Program by increasing the maximum loan amount and emphasizes service commitments in designated health shortage areas. The bill also establishes a mental health provider student loan repayment program and revises the Future Workforce grant program, including eligibility criteria and fund distribution requirements. Overall, the bill aims to create a more effective workforce development system in West Virginia, ensuring educational institutions can meet labor market demands while providing necessary resources for community and technical colleges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-3D-1, 18B-3D-2, 18B-3D-3, 18B-3D-4, 18B-3D-5, 18B-3D-6, 18C-3-1, 18C-3-3, 18C-5-6, 18C-5-7, 18C-7-6, 18C-9-3, 18C-9-5