Arizona House Bill HB2371

Arizona 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/24

Caption

Adult education; workforce development program

Impact

The bill is expected to have a notable impact on state education laws by expanding funding and resources for community colleges that cater to adult learners. Specifically, it allocates up to $3,000 per full-time student and allows for flexible funding based on the number of enrolled adult learners. It requires community colleges to use these funds to enhance existing educational offerings rather than supplant them, thus encouraging the maintenance and expansion of adult education programs.

Summary

House Bill 2371 establishes the Community College Adult Education Workforce Development Program in Arizona, aiming to provide adult learners with educational opportunities and training aligned with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The program is designed to offer integrated education that can lead to both academic achievements, such as a high school diploma or equivalency, and industry-recognized credentials. This effort seeks to emphasize skill development that meets current labor market needs.

Contention

While the bill aims to support adult education, there may be points of contention regarding the distribution and adequacy of funding. Concerns could arise about whether the financial assistance provided is sufficient to meet the needs of all participating institutions and how effectively these funds will be utilized to improve educational outcomes. Additionally, the reliance on periodic reporting and compliance measures may bring scrutiny on how well programs align with the intended objectives of workforce readiness.