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The creation of an affordable pathway to career and technical education for citizens of West Virginia is a landmark moment for our state.
Senate Bill 1 provides an innovative, cost-effective method of assisting traditional and non-traditional students with "last dollar in" financial support for obtaining an associate degree or advanced training certification for careers in high demand within our state. With that focus, this program will catapult West Virginia to national prominence in the area of workforce training by providing our citizens with an opportunity to gain or enhance a skill set that can be put to use right away.
The West Virginia Invests Grant Program, is not a "free" handout to the recipient. A student must pass a drug test to be admitted to the program and first draw down all federally available financial aid for their education and training.
Additionally, the student must maintain a 2.0 grade point average, complete a minimum of eight hours of community service during their studies and, upon graduation, live and work in West Virginia for a minimum of two years. By agreeing to these conditions, a student will have no financial cost for tuition at West Virginia's community and technical colleges or at one of West Virginia's four-year colleges where the student is pursing a two-year degree program.
There are wonderful and fulfilling jobs within the disciplines found in career and technical training. A traditional, four-year college education is not the right fit for everybody. Many people are blessed with skills and abilities ideally suited for careers in other areas, like HVAC, welding, plumbing, electrical, nursing, coding, etc. These all are high demand fields that pay great wages.
I am excited that West Virginians will have this unique opportunity to build a marketable skill set that is perfectly matched to a high-demand job market. I can envision a single mother who wants to provide a better life for her family, but until this program, could not afford to pursue her dream.
Perhaps, a mid-career man has been displaced at a factory or mine. With this program, he can be retrained and remain productive for many years.
Maybe there is a high school student who is not interested in a traditional four-year bachelor's degree but has a great interest and aptitude for electrical training.
These are just a few of the reasons why Senate Bill 1 is so vital for economic progress in West Virginia. We must encourage our fellow West Virginians to embrace this new opportunity provided by this education reform initiative. Senate Bill 1 is the starting point to grow our state's available trained labor base, improve our economy, build strong families, and have vibrant careers.
I am pleased that the Legislature worked across party lines to overwhelming pass such a significant and life-changing initiative. It is refreshing to see that in an era of hyper-partisanship, Democrats and Republicans in West Virginia do work together for the common good of our people. There are many great things happening in West Virginia. We have so much for which to be thankful, including Senate Bill 1.
Carmichael, R-Jackson, is president of the West Virginia State Senate and was the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 1. He resides in Ripley.