DE SB65

Establishes the Focus on Alternative Skills Training Program (FAST) within the Division of Employment and Training to provide tuition assistance for approved non-degree credit certificate programs offering industry-accepted skill training and certification.

Eligible individuals must be Delaware residents who have obtained a high school diploma, Diploma of Alternate Achievement Standards, or Delaware secondary credential and enrolled in an approved program within 18 months of graduation.

FAST provides tuition payments up to a maximum of $9,000 per eligible individual, calculated as the difference between full tuition and any other financial assistance received, with payments made on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Workforce Development Board must maintain and annually update a list of approved non-degree credit certificate programs based on employer skill requirements and job placement rates for graduates.

Program implementation becomes effective upon enactment or when the Secretary of the Department of Labor promulgates the list of approved programs and provides notice, with funding not to exceed $1 million from the General Fund and subject to sunset review 2 years after implementation.