CT SB00904

Establishes regionally-coordinated contextualized training and career pathways partnerships, effective July 1, 2013, to align workforce development and adult education initiatives.

Requires Capital Workforce Partners to convene regional adult literacy planning teams with representatives from workforce investment boards, community and technical colleges, adult education programs, the Adult Literacy Leadership Board, and regional stakeholders.

Defines "integrated basic education and skills training programming" (I-BEST model) as pairing instructors to teach professional/technical content alongside basic skills in reading, math, writing, or English language in real-world job scenarios.

Authorizes partnerships to access multiple funding sources including Title I and Title II of the federal Workforce Investment Act, workforce board and college tuition funds, and state investments through public-private partnerships and Department of Economic and Community Development job programs.

Aims to support Connecticut's workforce development goals by filling job openings statewide and moving underemployed benefit recipients into living wage jobs and independent taxpayer status.