Virginia House Bill HJR29

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Comprehensive community colleges; funding model for noncredit workforce credential programs.

Impact

The study mandated by HJR29 aims to evaluate existing disparities between the funding models of noncredit programs and for-credit courses. This analysis is essential as it will address the financial and operational challenges that community colleges face in meeting workforce demands. The anticipated recommendations will seek to reform these funding models to enhance the sustainability of noncredit workforce credential programs, ensuring that comprehensive community colleges can continue to provide necessary training and educational opportunities to their students.

Summary

HJR29 calls for the Virginia Board of Workforce Development to study the funding models for noncredit workforce credential programs offered by comprehensive community colleges. The bill recognizes the challenges posed by the self-sustaining funding model currently in place, which pressures these colleges to rely solely on student tuition and fees for funding. As demand for skilled labor increases, the sustainable funding of such programs has become critical to meet industry needs and support future economic growth in Virginia.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns regarding the adequate pay for instructors teaching noncredit workforce programs, as many currently work under contracts at rates lower than their counterparts in private industry. Additionally, stakeholders such as industry representatives and organized labor are included in the proposed work group, highlighting the collaborative effort required to tackle these intricate issues. The bill emphasizes the necessity for technical assistance from various state agencies to support the Board of Workforce Development in their study and analysis.