Virginia Senate Bill SJR20

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 2/9/24

Caption

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

Impact

The legislation proposes that the Virginia Board of Workforce Development study and recommend improvements to the existing funding model. Key tasks include evaluating disparities between funding for noncredit versus for-credit courses, discussing the implications of instructor salary fairness, and assessing the overall capacity of community colleges to meet industry demands. This inquiry aims to provide a structured approach for improving Virginia's community colleges' capability to deliver effective workforce training, thereby ensuring employers can find qualified candidates in a competitive job market.

Summary

SJR20 addresses the urgent need for a reevaluation of the funding model for noncredit workforce credential programs offered at comprehensive community colleges in Virginia. The bill recognizes that the current self-sustaining funding model, which relies solely on tuition and fees from students, is inadequate to meet the growing demand for skilled workers. This funding structure not only complicates the sustainability of training programs but also jeopardizes the quality of education being provided. With increasing workforce demands, the bill emphasizes the necessity of adequate training to prepare the next generation of credentialed workers in high-demand sectors.

Contention

Notably, the bill is framed against the backdrop of industry needs that have evolved over the years, particularly in sectors that require noncredit training that is often overlooked in budgeting processes. The call for a study highlights concerns regarding the inadequacies in the current system that could potentially lead to training program cancellations due to insufficient tuition revenue. Critics may argue that reliance on tuition fees is detrimental in terms of inclusivity and access to education for underserved populations seeking job training and skills development.