Funding Issues Committee Report Educational Attainment Task Force March 12, 2013

Committee Members Co-Chairs: Margaret Henbest Mike Rush Members –Bert Glandon-Jay Larsen –Russ Gee-Jerry Beck Staff –Allison McClintick –Kirk Dennis

Topic/Issues Funding targeted towards workforce needs * Improved scholarship opportunities * Comprehensive community college system in Idaho- revenue Reform funding * Increase the number of professional technical schools in Idaho Make funding of career and PTE facilities a priority Improved funding to support dual credit to reduce student cost * Get more industry representatives to the table and make the initial industry investment *

Process for Setting Priorities Doable Timely Relevant for students, industry, and educational institutions

Recommendation #1 Industry Sector WDTF grant program Support a grant program to fund partnerships between industry sectors and academic institutions to prepare workers for specific employment opportunities. Leverage Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) Incentivize Industry & Education Partnerships Meet industry workforce pipeline needs Creates continued education pathways Connect students with high wage jobs

Recommendation #2 Bench Mark Survey of Industry Credentials Create a survey that will provide an industry recognized credentials benchmark for the state Must know where we are now to get where we want to be Beneficial to monitor those who “go on” after their initial credential Bridge gap between Labor data and the “real world”

Recommendation # 3 Credit Process for Prior Learning Create a statewide portfolio approval process for awarding credits based on prior learning and experience Rapid change in higher education (MOOC’s, streamlined degrees) To limit cost degree or certificate attainment must be quick, effective and efficient Active industry participation

Findings Dual Credit Research shows that dual credit is very important in the advancement of and the ability to retain students in school. Tuition for these students should not be affected by counties’ ability to pay tuitions.

Summary 1.Create a new “Industry Sector” WDTF grant 2.Conduct a benchmark survey of industry recognized credentials 3.Create a statewide portfolio approval process for awarding credits based on prior learning/ experience