1.Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
2.Program established.
The department shall establish and administer an employment training program known as the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program. The purpose of the program is to provide individuals with access to education, training and support leading to skilled, well-compensated jobs with anticipated high employment demand, to improve the economic well-being of the participants in the program and to provide employers with a skilled labor force in accordance with the provisions of this section.
3.Notice.
The department shall provide notice, including individual written notice, signs and other effective outreach methods, to inform people of the program
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1.
Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
2.
Program established.
The department shall establish and administer an employment training program known as the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program. The purpose of the program is to provide individuals with access to education, training and support leading to skilled, well-compensated jobs with anticipated high employment demand, to improve the economic well-being of the participants in the program and to provide employers with a skilled labor force in accordance with the provisions of this section.
3.
Notice.
The department shall provide notice, including individual written notice, signs and other effective outreach methods, to inform people of the program and the education, training and support available from or through the program to individuals seeking work, education or training in the department's career centers.
4.
Criteria for education and training approved under the program.
Education or training for a participant must meet the criteria set out in this subsection.
5.
Eligibility criteria.
Within the limits of available program resources, enrollment in the program must be granted if the individual applying for enrollment:
5-A.
Secondary student eligibility.
Notwithstanding subsection 5, paragraph A, a full-time student at a public secondary school enrolled in a career and technical education program at a career and technical education center or a career and technical education region may be granted enrollment in the program if the student applies for enrollment and meets the requirements of subsection 5, paragraphs B, C, D and E. For the purpose of determining eligibility under subsection 5, paragraph C, "income" includes the income of the student's family as defined by department rule.
5-B.
Cohort-based programs, student eligibility.
The commissioner shall adopt rules in accordance with this section to provide for the approval of cohort-based education or training programs and eligibility for individuals participating in those programs. Such programs must be targeted to serve low-income individuals and individuals who may face barriers to education or successful workforce participation, including, but not limited to, first-generation college students, formerly incarcerated individuals, individuals enrolled in needs-based government assistance programs, unemployed and underemployed individuals, persons with disabilities, immigrants and individuals with underrepresented genders and racial identities, for the purposes of increasing these individuals' economic security.
6.
Provision of education, training and support.
Payment for education, training and support included in a participant's plan must be furnished promptly to, or on behalf of, a participant.
7.
Application and decision.
An individual must be given the opportunity to make a written application for education, training and support available from the program and be given a prompt written decision from the department, within 30 days from the date that the individual's application is received by the department, specifically indicating the type and amount of services approved or denied, except that, at the request of the individual, the department shall extend the deadline by an additional 15 days for the purpose of providing additional information necessary to establish eligibility. If information needed from a 3rd party necessary to determine eligibility is not available at the time of the deadline, this deadline may be extended until that information is available. The department shall provide guidance and assist the individual to the extent possible in promptly securing any 3rd-party information necessary to determine eligibility.
7-A.
Appeal.
A written decision related to eligibility for, or the provision of, services under this section must provide notice that the decision may be appealed by an individual through a request for a hearing within 30 days of receipt of the decision in accordance with rules adopted by the department and consistent with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 4. The 30-day appeal period may be extended up to 15 additional days if the individual can show good cause for failing to appeal within the initial 30-day period. If the individual files a written appeal within 10 days of a decision to terminate the participant from the program or terminate or reduce assistance being provided, the decision may not be implemented pending the outcome of the appeal process. If no appeal is filed, the decision becomes final.
8.
Individual career plan.
This subsection governs the development of a plan for a participant.
9.
Rules.
The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement the program in a manner that maximizes successful education and training opportunities for participants and to provide for its fair and efficient administration in accordance with this section. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules and must be adopted in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
10.
Monitoring, evaluation and annual report.
The department shall implement a comprehensive evaluation strategy that evaluates the fund, using both quantitative and qualitative data and including an analysis of the return on investment in the fund. The evaluation must consider, at a minimum, the following factors: the value of total compensation, including, but not limited to, health insurance and other benefits to those participating in training; the impact of the program on the Unemployment Compensation Fund; the impact on productivity and performance for employers; and the impact on meeting the demand for skilled workers in industries in this State. The evaluation must measure the impact of the program over time, including a longitudinal analysis that captures productivity and other outcomes related to the program. The department must submit a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over labor matters by February 1st of each year on the status of the program and on the evaluation data collected and analyzed. The report also must include the formula or limit established by the commissioner pursuant to subsection 2 to limit the proportion of program funds expended on career counseling and administration and the amount of funds expended for these purposes.
11.
Enrollment of eligible supplemental nutrition assistance program participants.
The department shall enroll, to the maximum extent possible and when appropriate, participants in the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program administered by the State pursuant to Title 22, section 3104 who meet the eligibility criteria specified in subsection 5 and who are referred to the program pursuant to a memorandum of agreement entered into by the State with the Department of Health and Human Services as part of the individual’s self-sufficiency plan under the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program administered by the State pursuant to Title 22, section 3104. Federal funds may not be used to supplant state funds used to provide education, training and support under this section to program participants enrolled pursuant to this subsection.