AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The 71st Legislature created the Texas College Work-Study Program (TCWSP) in 1989. The program provides part-time jobs funded by the state and the employer to students enrolled at Texas public and private institutions who demonstrate financial need. TCWSP allows academic institutions to partner with private-sector employers and requires for-profit employers to pay 50 percent of the student's salary. Nonprofits, such as universities and colleges, are required to match only 25 percent of the student's salary.
The 83rd Legislature increased funding for TCWSP by six percent for the 2014-2015 biennium, a total of $18 million, with $5 million allocated for the Work Study Mentorship program. The TCWSP priority is to encourage collaboration between academic institutions and businesses in order to promote degree plan-related career opportunities. However, in 2014, not one participating campus reported a partnership with an off-campus work-study position or private-sector work-study partnership.
This is disturbing because the manner in which employers evaluate recent college graduates is undergoing a transformational change. In today's economy, earning a college degree does not ensure an automatic pathway to success. Employers today select from a much larger pool of recent college graduates with similar qualifications. According to a recent study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, employers do not have confidence that today's college graduates are prepared for the workforce. During the hiring process, employers seek individuals who demonstrate aptitude and a strong work ethic. Private sector internships and post work experience are vital in this regard.
As proposed, S.B. 1750 amends current law relating to the requirements for employment positions provided through the Texas college work-study program.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 56.076, Education Code, as follows:
Sec. 56.076. ELIGIBLE EMPLOYER. (a) Creates this subsection from existing text and makes no further change to this subsection.
(b) Requires each eligible institution to ensure that 50 percent of the employment positions provided through the Texas College Work-Study Program (TCWSP) in an academic year are provided by employers eligible under this section who are providing employment located off campus.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 56.079(l), Education Code, to change a reference to Section 56.076 to Section 56.076(a).
SECTION 3. Provides that the changes in law made by this Act apply to participation in TCWSP beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year.
SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.