The Department of Economic and Community Development, in consultation with the Labor Department and Office of Higher Education, may, within available appropriations:
(1) Identify (A) anticipated areas of job growth in the state over the next five and ten years, state-wide and by region, (B) existing or projected needs for certificate programs, degree programs and short-term and long-term noncredit training programs to support areas of job growth, (C) the certificate programs, degree programs and noncredit training programs in the state that are most in demand by employers and students, the percentage of graduates of such programs who are employed in the state two years after graduation and the fields and industries in which such graduates are employed, and (D) the capacity for growth in high-demand academic programs offered by institutions of higher education in the state;
(2) Coordinate with state agencies and quasi-public agencies to prioritize and align state resources to meet the existing and future talent needs of the state, identified pursuant to subdivision (1) of this section; and
(3) Coordinate with municipal leaders to (A) share the results of the analysis performed under subdivision (1) of this section with employers, public and independent institutions of higher education in the state and other stakeholders, and (B) develop a program to award grants to support evidence-based solutions to cultivate, attract, hire and retain workers in high-demand fields and industries. Such program may include, but not be limited to, internship programs, education programs, incentives to attract mid-career workers and fellowship programs to attract and retain recent graduates.
(P.A. 19-128, S. 9.)
History: P.A. 19-128 effective July 12, 2019.