(a) Schools not converting to technical institutes as provided by other sections of this subchapter, or community colleges under existing law, shall expand program offerings and become a comprehensive lifelong learning center.
(b) The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall establish criteria and program expansions which would require all remaining postsecondary vocational-technical schools to become comprehensive lifelong learning centers.
(c)
(1) When a postsecondary vocational-technical school meets the criteria for becoming a comprehensive lifelong learning center as established by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the school shall make application to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board seeking that it be designated as such.
(2) Each comprehensive lifelong learning center shall operate within a service area assigned by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(3)
(A) Each comprehensive lifelong learning center may operate satellite campuses apart from the campus of the main center but within the service area of the center.
(B) The establishment, locations, and number of satellite campuses of a center must be approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(4)
(A) The board of directors of a comprehensive lifelong learning center may contract with existing institutions of higher education for the operation of any associate degree programs offered at the center, upon approval by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(B) Any degree program at or above the associate degree level offered at a comprehensive lifelong learning center must be approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and awarded by an Arkansas institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
(C) Any such degree program must be offered through the center's center for collegiate instruction.
(d)
(1) The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall periodically review the program offerings and curricula of the postsecondary vocational-technical schools to assure that lifelong learning opportunities exist for the population served.
(2) The comprehensive lifelong learning centers shall include offerings of:
(A) Workplace literacy programs consisting of remedial education, including adult basic education and general adult education;
(B) Occupational and technical preparation;
(C) Applied foundation courses in mathematics, science, communications, and technologies;
(D) Customized training and adult retraining programs;
(E) Apprenticeship work-based training programs;
(F) Other relevant education and training which meets the needs of the work force and which prepares the state's citizens for lifelong learning opportunities and a quality life; and
(G) May include courses leading to an associate of applied science degree, upon approval by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(e)
(1) Except as provided in this section, the construction, operation, and maintenance of the comprehensive lifelong learning center shall be financed by the state.
(2) Each comprehensive lifelong learning center, acting through its board, shall have the power to accept and receive gifts, grants, profits from auxiliary enterprises, local millages, and any other local funds to be used as local matching funds for capital outlay expenses of the center.
(3) The comprehensive lifelong learning center shall be required to establish a plan that specifically outlines cooperative efforts with local industries and businesses to meet technological and training needs.
(A) The plan shall be submitted annually to the local board of directors and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board for approval.
(B) The plan shall incorporate a study of local needs, including interviews with local business and industry.
(4)
(A) The comprehensive lifelong learning center shall be required to offer courses to address industry and business needs and, when appropriate, to teach the course at the business or industry site.
(B) The comprehensive lifelong learning center may use adjunct faculty or professors under contract to meet this requirement.