Virginia 2025 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SJR20

Introduced
1/9/24  
Refer
1/9/24  

Caption

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

Impact

If implemented, SJR20 will require the Virginia Board of Workforce Development to conduct a thorough assessment of the current funding paradigm. This includes identifying disparities between funding for noncredit and for-credit courses, consulting with various stakeholders in the education and labor industries, and reviewing instructor compensation. The findings will ultimately assist in developing reform recommendations to ensure comprehensive community colleges can meet labor market demands. A key part of this evaluation will be to compare Virginia’s funding models against other states to identify effective strategies for improvement.

Summary

SJR20 seeks to address the funding model for noncredit workforce credential programs offered at comprehensive community colleges in Virginia. The bill acknowledges that the current self-sustaining funding model is becoming unsustainable. It emphasizes the need for these institutions to effectively offer and fund workforce programs that meet the growing demand for skilled labor. Specifically, it desires to evaluate the existing funding inadequacies that challenge the sustainability of these programs and their capacity to provide quality training for the workforce of tomorrow.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding SJR20 could be related to the proposed recommendations regarding instructor salaries for noncredit programs. The current pay rates are reportedly well below industry standards, and there may be disagreements on how to bridge this gap. Additionally, the push for reform to make noncredit training programs more sustainable involves broader discussions about educational funding allocations and the prioritization of workforce development within the state's budget. Stakeholders may have differing views on how to best satisfy both educational and industry needs without imposing undue financial burdens on students or the community colleges themselves.

Companion Bills

VA SJR20

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

Previously Filed As

VA HJR29

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

VA SJR20

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

VA HB1887

Local school boards and comprehensive community colleges; compensation structure for instructors.

VA HB271

School bds. & comprehensive community colleges, local; compensation structure for adjunct professor.

VA HB83

Comprehensive community colleges and school boards; dual enrollment agreements, parameters.

VA SB287

Comprehensive community colleges; authority to offer and confer certain baccalaureate degrees.

VA HB2277

Comprehensive community colleges; education preparation programs.

VA HB2195

Workforce development; consolidation of policies and programs, etc.

VA SB1470

Workforce development; consolidation of policies and programs, etc.

VA HB544

Workforce Development and Advancement, Department of; changes title of Director to Commissioner.

Similar Bills

VA HJR29

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

VA HJR29

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

VA SJR20

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

VA HB1887

Local school boards and comprehensive community colleges; compensation structure for instructors.

VA SB1422

Higher ed. institutions, certain; reimbursement for noncredit workforce training program, grants.

VA HB1264

New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Program; eligible institutions, maximum reimbursement.

VA HB2408

New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Program; eligible institutions, maximum reimbursement.

VA SB1076

Higher educational institutions, certain; reimbursement for noncredit workforce training program.