VCCS Defer Financial Aid

Item 211 #1h

Language
Page 186, line 8, strike "$561,764,142" and insert "$560,564,142".
Page 186, strike lines, 22 through 24 and insert:
"B.  The Virginia Community College System (VCCS), in consultation with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, shall develop and propose criteria for providing grants of up to $1,000 to students in high-demand fields.  High-demand fields are defined as an area, discipline, or field in which there is a shortage of skilled workers to fill current job vacancies or anticipated additional job openings as determined by the Virginia Board of Workforce Development in consultation with business and industry representatives and local, regional, and state economic development agencies.  The VCCS is authorized to utilize up to $5 million the second year from the general fund in this item for this purpose."

Explanation
(This amendment defers proposed new funding and allows the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) to develop a program to provide grants of up to $1,000 for students in high-demand fields. The VCCS is authorized to use up to $5 million from existing funds for this purpose.)