To institute the Learn and Earn program for four-year schools.

HB 5244 creates a two-year pilot program allowing West Virginia's four-year state colleges and universities (excluding the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine) to participate in the existing "Learn and Earn" workforce development initiative. The bill directs the state education chancellor to implement this pilot starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, with funding kept separate from the program's community college funding. It specifies that any unspent funds at year-end carry forward, and administrative costs cannot exceed 5% of annual program funds. This bill directly affects public four-year institutions by expanding their access to a work-study program designed to connect education with workforce training.