Creates community college high-technology investment program (C-CHIP) to award grants to community colleges to upgrade their educational, occupational and training services

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to creating the community college high-technology investment program (C-CHIP)

Purpose or general idea of bill

The program would provide students/workers in community colleges with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment where skills can be learned in a setting that best matches the workplaces for which the students/workers are being prepared.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 provides legislative intent.

Section 2 adds a new section 3154-a to the public authorities law to create a community college high-technology investment program. The Foundation for Science, Technology, and Innovation would award competitive grants of up to one hundred thousand dollars to community colleges for reconstructing, rehabilitating or improving existing laboratory facilities and for. acquisition or upgrades of equipment necessary to provide targeted technology education, occupation or training services to students seeking associate's degrees or workers seeking occupation-specific training in order to obtain or retain employment. The Executive Director would be required to report annually on the outcomes of the program, including the names of community colleges receiving awards; the amounts of each award and matching funds; a description of equipment purchases and facility upgrades; the number of students or workers participating in training enabled by the program; and employment or other outcomes such as job retention enabled by the award.

Section 3 establishes an effective date.

Justification

Significant employment opportunities exist in growing fields where complex technologies require advanced skills and access to modern, efficient facilities and equipment. Having access to these modern facilities and equipment will provide students and workers with the knowledge and skill required for new or continued employment in the ever-expanding high-technology sector or in others sectors of the economy, including manufacturing and services that utilize advanced, high technology-related processes. In addition, a well-trained and skilled workforce will attract businesses seeking to enhance production, modernize or expand as well as start up or relocate to New York State.

Prior legislative history

Previously introduced.

Fiscal implications

This bill would allow grant awards if provided for in annual State appropriations.

Effective date

Immediately.