College opportunity to prepare for employment

§ 355-c. College opportunity to prepare for employment. 1. The state university is authorized to enter into an agreement with the department of social services for the establishment of the college opportunity to prepare for employment (COPE) program for the development of a program of allowable activities and services for eligible participants in the federal job opportunity and basic skills (JOBS) program.

2. The state university shall identify such funds as necessary, including any private funds provided for the purpose of supporting employment and training services, to be used on a matching basis consistent with federal requirements.

3. Services may include, but are not limited to, high school equivalency, basic education, job skills training, English-as-a-second language, job readiness training, job placement services, case management, career counseling and assessment, employability planning, supportive services such as child care, and a youth demonstration activity providing an integrated program of high school equivalency, occupational training, work experience, and job placement.

4. The state university shall submit an annual evaluation and report on the college opportunity to prepare for employment program to the governor, the speaker of the assembly, the temporary president of the senate, the chairman of the assembly ways and means committee, the chairman of the senate finance committee, and the chair of the legislative commission on skills development and career education no later than October thirty-first following the program year ending June thirtieth. The evaluation and report shall include, at a minimum, a description of services provided, participant characteristics, data on measures of educational and job skills gains, job development and placement, and retention.