Bill > HB2190

This bill amends the existing law regarding the Learn and Earn Cooperative Education Program by adding Potomac State College of West Virginia University as a permanent eligible institution for participation, rather than treating it as a temporary pilot program. The Learn and Earn Program is designed to help West Virginians who cannot enroll full-time in technical programs due to employment obligations by providing a cooperative education model where students can work with local companies while completing their technical education. The program requires participating employers to provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match for student salaries, and aims to increase accessibility to technical education, support students financially, provide real-world work experience, and help employers recruit and train potential future workers. By removing the pilot program language and time limitations, the bill allows Potomac State College to be a standard participant in the program, with the council responsible for defining the application process and potentially expending funds through the Workforce Development Initiative program to support the program's implementation.