§18B-3D-3. Technical Program Development Grant Program and West Virginia Advance Grant Program; purpose; eligible institutions; application procedures.

(a) Purpose.

(1) The Technical Program Development Grant Program provides funding to community and technical colleges to develop and implement new certificate and associate degree programs that address workforce needs and support economic development.

(2) The West Virginia Advance Grant Program provides funding to community and technical colleges to:

(A) Develop and deliver short-term, sub-certificate training programs that respond to immediate workforce needs; and

(B) Purchase specialized equipment necessary for technical and workforce training programs.

(b) Eligible institutions. Community and technical colleges, as defined in §18B-1-2 of this code, are eligible to apply for grants under this section.

(c) Application procedures. The Chancellor shall establish application procedures that:

(1) Require applicants to demonstrate alignment with documented employer and workforce needs;

(2) Require applicants to identify expected program outcomes, including anticipated enrollment, completion rates, and employment outcomes;

(3) Provide appropriate levels of accountability; and

(4) Minimize unnecessary administrative burdens on institutions.

(d) Grant awards. The Chancellor shall review applications and make grant awards based on criteria established pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.