Senate approves pilot grants to host adult career-technical education at high schools

Delegates passed Senate Bill 5.2 to create a three-year pilot program funding career-technical education (CTE) night courses for adults in school-district facilities.

Author Evie Sarley told the chamber the pilot aims to use existing high-school CTE facilities to expand adult access to skills and certifications. The amendment read into the record would allocate $2,000,000 for the pilot: $500,000 to the Department of Education for administration and reporting, and $1,500,000 to districts over three years. Sarley said the plan would select 25 districts nationwide, with a maximum of two districts per state, and estimated costs at about $20,000 per district per year (roughly $10,000 for an instructor and $10,000 for other costs).

Questions from delegates addressed selection criteria for the 25 districts, whether districts would be required to force teachers to run programs, and program timing. Sarley said districts would compete for grants, teachers would not be forced to participate, and the Department of Education would administer selection. Supporters including CTE club leaders emphasized workforce benefits and the potential to help adults obtain industry credentials.

The chamber voted and the presiding officer announced the bill had passed by majority; the transcript does not include a roll-call tally.

What’s next: The memorial author said the Department of Education will issue reports each year to assess effectiveness; the memorial establishes initial funding and reporting but further statutory steps would be required for long-term expansion.