Including Potomac State College in eligibility for Learn and Earn Program
The proposed pilot program would run from the 2023-2024 academic year through the 2025-2026 academic year. Over this period, it aims to assess the effectiveness of integrating Potomac State College in offering hands-on training and salary support through employer partnerships. The program will require a dollar-for-dollar cash match from participating employers, ensuring that the financial burden is shared and that students receive tangible benefits that can help reduce the cost of their education.
Senate Bill 1044 aims to amend the West Virginia Code to include Potomac State College of West Virginia University as an eligible institution for the 'Learn and Earn Program.' This initiative is part of a broader Workforce Development Initiative designed to enhance access to technical education for West Virginians and address the challenges faced by young adults unable to enroll full-time due to employment obligations. By facilitating cooperative education programs, the bill seeks to provide students with valuable work experience while they complete their studies, ultimately helping to retain talent within the state.
Initial discussions surrounding SB1044 have been largely positive, particularly among stakeholders who emphasize the importance of accessible technical education and job readiness for the state's workforce. Supporters argue that this program could bridge the gap between education and employment, thus mitigating issues such as the skills gap and economic challenges in the region. However, there are still concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of such programs and the reliance on employer support for funding.
One point of contention revolves around the effectiveness of pilot programs and whether including a single institution like Potomac State College would be sufficient to address the broader systemic issues within the state’s education and workforce development framework. Critics may argue that focused measures might overlook the need for extensive reforms in the education system as a whole, and how these kinds of programs could be expanded or funded adequately beyond the pilot phase.