Bill > HB3034

This bill establishes the West Virginia TEACH (Education and Child-Care Help) Scholarship Program to address the state's child-care workforce challenges and low workforce participation rates. The program will provide scholarships to child-care workers currently employed at least 20 hours per week who want to pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Eligible applicants must be West Virginia residents at least 18 years old, have completed secondary education, and not previously have earned a post-secondary degree. The scholarship will cover tuition costs at eligible state institutions, less other scholarships, with a maximum amount equal to the average tuition and mandatory fees. Recipients must maintain a 2.0 GPA, continue working in a child-care facility, and agree to remain in West Virginia for two years after graduation or potentially repay the scholarship. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission will administer the program, creating a special revenue fund to support scholarships and reporting annually to the Legislature on student success. The bill aims to address the state's child-care crisis by providing educational opportunities that can help improve workforce participation, particularly for women, and support the child-care industry by creating pathways for professional development and retention of skilled workers.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3034&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill