Bill > HB302

This bill establishes the Adult Workforce Diploma Pilot Program, which aims to help Kentucky residents aged 21 and older earn a high school diploma and develop critical employability skills. The program will be administered by the Education and Labor Cabinet and will create a special fund to support approved program providers. Eligible providers must be accredited educational entities that can develop personalized learning plans, offer career pathway courses, provide remediation in literacy and numeracy, help students earn industry-recognized credentials, and offer career placement services. The program will provide financial incentives to providers based on student milestones, such as completing high school credits, earning employability skills certifications, and obtaining industry credentials, with payments ranging from $275 to $1,100 depending on the achievement. Providers will be required to submit monthly invoices and annual reports detailing student progress, and will be evaluated based on performance metrics like graduation rates and cost per graduate. The program will run until July 1, 2028, with the potential for extension by the General Assembly, and aims to help adult learners improve their educational and career prospects by providing a flexible pathway to a high school diploma and workforce-ready skills.