Education

SB 445 adds Potomac State College of West Virginia University as an eligible institution for West Virginia's Learn and Earn Program, making its participation permanent instead of temporary. The bill removes the previous "pilot program" designation for Potomac State, which had limited eligibility through the 2025-2026 academic year. The Learn and Earn Program allows students in technical programs to work with participating employers while studying, requiring employers to provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match (not in-kind contributions) for student salaries. This change directly affects Potomac State College students and employers partnering with the college to offer paid work-study opportunities.