West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB3034

Introduced
2/28/25  

Caption

Establishing the West Virginia TEACH Scholarship Program

Impact

The legislation will create a scholarship fund administered by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, which will cover tuition and fees for eligible individuals pursuing degrees in early childhood education. The scholarship can be renewed provided recipients maintain academic standings and employment at eligible facilities. By enabling more child-care workers to attain higher education, the bill is designed to bolster both the child-care workforce and its quality, ultimately aiming to increase overall workforce participation in West Virginia.

Summary

House Bill 3034 establishes the West Virginia TEACH Scholarship Program aimed at increasing access to affordable higher education for child-care workers. With West Virginia facing a child-care crisis and one of the lowest workforce participation rates in the nation, the bill intends to ameliorate the situation by incentivizing higher education among child-care providers. This program recognizes the vital role that accessible child-care plays in enabling parents, particularly mothers, to participate in the workforce while enhancing the quality of childcare services in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3034 appears largely positive, particularly among advocates of workforce development and education reform. Supporters argue that the initiative is necessary for addressing the pressing needs in the child-care sector while fostering economic development. However, potential concerns may arise regarding the management of scholarship funds and whether the program can adequately attract qualified applicants, especially given the financial and time commitments involved for the workers.

Contention

Notable points of contention may include the scholarship repayment requirements for recipients who relocate out of state within two years of obtaining their degree, which some could perceive as overly restrictive. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the program relies heavily on the ability of child-care facilities to employ graduates and improve their services amid existing economic pressures. The ongoing debate over the allocation of educational resources may also play a role as the program moves forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB5153

Relating to revising, updating and streamlining the requirements governing the West Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship.

WV SB598

Relating generally to Hope Scholarship Program

WV SB546

Updating STEM scholarship program

WV HB4945

Relating generally to the Hope Scholarship Program

WV HB3224

Adding West Virginia Junior College to the list of eligible institutions that accept PROMISE scholarship recipients

WV HB2048

Establishing the Katherine Johnson Academy

WV HB2149

Establishing the Katherine Johnson Academy

WV HB3408

To clean up statutory provisions regarding the Hope Scholarship program to better reflect the intent and operation of the program

WV HB5346

To clean up statutory provisions regarding the Hope Scholarship program to better reflect the intent and operation of the program

WV SB327

Providing funding for Hope Scholarship Program

Similar Bills

WV SB194

Establishing Promise for All Scholarship Program

WV HB2315

Relating to PROMISE Scholarship Program requirements

WV HB5153

Relating to revising, updating and streamlining the requirements governing the West Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship.

WV SB546

Updating STEM scholarship program

WV HB3386

To provide all National Merit Scholars free tuition to any West Virginia higher education institution in order to keep these scholars in state

WV HB4500

To provide all National Merit Scholars free tuition to any West Virginia higher education institution in order to keep these scholars in state

VA HB486

Virginia Higher Education Scholarship Act Fund and Program; created and established.

VA HB486

Virginia Higher Education Scholarship Act Fund and Program; created and established.