Bill > HB2798

This bill establishes a trades-based elective pilot program for public high school students in West Virginia, aimed at empowering students interested in career and technical education. The program will create a specialized elective course that covers traditional academic subjects like English and science, but with a specific focus on trades-related content, and will count as one credit toward graduation requirements. The course can be taught by existing faculty from community and technical colleges across different geographic regions of the state, including the northern and southern regions and panhandles. To teach the course, instructors must meet current trade class teaching qualifications, and students will be eligible to take the course upon entering high school. The pilot program will be funded through existing resources, with potential supplementation from industry grants and private funding. The program is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, for the 2025/2026 school year, and the West Virginia State Board of Education will be required to submit annual reports to the Legislature for three years, detailing the program's effectiveness and implementation. The bill emphasizes the importance of preparing students for trades-based careers and providing alternative educational pathways beyond traditional academic tracks.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2798&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill