This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 18B-3D-9, to the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to establish a two-year pilot program called the Learn and Earn Program for baccalaureate state colleges and universities, excluding the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. The program is intended to enhance workforce development by allowing these institutions to participate in the existing Learn and Earn framework, which is currently applicable to community and technical colleges. The pilot program is set to commence in the 2026-2027 academic year and will continue through the 2027-2028 academic year.

The bill outlines that the chancellor, under the direction of the council and in coordination with the commission and baccalaureate institutions, will be responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of the program. It also specifies that funds allocated for the Learn and Earn Pilot Program will be kept separate from those designated for community and technical colleges, with any unspent funds carried over to the next fiscal year. Additionally, the council is permitted to allocate up to five percent of the available funds for general program administration.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-3D-9