Bill > HB3313

This bill amends the existing West Virginia law regarding community and technical college consortia planning districts by adding Braxton County High School as a participating institution in the Southeastern District. The bill expands on an existing framework that establishes regional consortia connecting high schools, career and technical education centers, community colleges, and workforce development efforts. These consortia are responsible for comprehensive tasks including assessing local workforce needs, developing integrated secondary and post-secondary education programs, creating pathways to industry-recognized credentials and degrees, and coordinating with local businesses and labor markets to ensure educational programs align with employment opportunities. The bill specifically allows participating institutions to partner with community and technical colleges outside their designated region if their assigned facilitating college does not offer a specific program within two years of a formal request. This change aims to provide more educational opportunities for high school students by increasing flexibility in technical and career education partnerships, with the ultimate goal of better preparing students for high-demand, high-wage occupations in their region.