NEWS RELEASE
Majority of the Wyoming LegislatureFebruary 13, 2019
Contact: Representative Albert Sommers
House Speaker Pro Tempore
Albert.Sommers@wyoleg.gov
Career Technical Education Opportunity Bill Slated for Signature by Gov. Gordon
Hathaway Scholarship Eligibility Legislation Expands Workforce Training for Wyoming Students While Helping to Bolster Economy
Hathaway Scholarship Eligibility Legislation Expands Workforce Training for Wyoming Students While Helping to Bolster Economy
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Delivering on its promise to help ensure Wyoming citizens have more education and workforce training opportunities in order to pursue their dreams while growing the state’s economy, the Wyoming Legislative Majority applauded passage of Senate File 43, Hathaway Scholarship eligibility this week. The bill, which amends elective course requirements to include career-technical education and fine and performing arts to the current foreign language requirements, is an important piece of the GOP Leadership’s agenda to expand higher education and workforce training opportunities.
“In today’s economy, it is important to recognize that a traditional university isn’t the right fit for every student, nor does every job require a baccalaureate degree,” said Senate Education Committee Chairman Hank Coe. “Senate File 43 opens up the Hathaway eligibility requirements for students in recognition of the wide variety of career paths available to Wyoming citizens of all ages.”
Workforce development has been a key topic of discussion for legislative leadership, the business community and the Executive Council of the Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming (ENDOW) initiative. According to the ENDOW Report, “one of the biggest barriers highlighted by businesses in Wyoming was a lack of skilled workers.” SF 43 strives to address this issue by encouraging training at the high school level so students are better prepared to enter the workforce or a post-secondary training program upon graduation.
“The Joint Interim Education Committee heard from countless industry representatives that workforce training is sorely needed in this state,” said House Education Committee Vice Chairman Jerry Paxton. “By including career-technical education and fine and performing arts to the elective requirements for Hathaway Scholarship eligibility, we allow students to take advantage of our flagship scholarship program in a way that advances their chosen career goals and better prepares them for the future.”
Senate File 43, now known as Senate Enrolled Act 20, was sponsored by the Joint Interim Education Committee and passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming support. The bill currently awaits Governor Gordon’s signature.
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