§5B-2Q-2. Purpose; legislative findings and declarations.

(a) The purpose of this article is to establish a statewide summer employment program for West Virginia’s students and young adults that:

(1) Provides paid work experience, career exposure, and skill development through public and private partnerships;

(2) Supports emerging employment sectors and entrepreneurship in the state;

(3) Grows the state’s workforce; and

(4) Attracts new businesses in search of prepared and job-ready young adults to the state.

(b) The Legislature hereby finds and declares the following:

(1) Early paid work experience improves educational attainment and workforce outcomes for students and young adults in the state.

(2) West Virginia faces persistent workforce shortages and youth out-migration, and preparing students and young adults for careers within the state is a valuable tool not only for the retention of the state’s youth but also to prepare them for successful careers at a critical juncture in their lives.

(3) The creation of a paid summer employment program in the state will aid in retaining the state’s youngest citizens and will further boost the state’s economic vitality by helping to build a robust workforce that will incentivize businesses to locate in the state.

(4) Such a program will enhance West Virginia’s workforce with motivated and career-ready young citizens, reduce dependence on governmental assistance and services, help to carry the state forward toward economic prosperity, and is therefore one of the most valuable investments that can be made for the future of the state.