SB 6747-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Provides that beginning in April 2000, the higher education coordinating board, the state board for community and technical colleges, a representative of the Washington software alliance, the American electronics association, and the Washington biotechnology and biomedical association shall convene a work group in consultation with the council of presidents and its member institutions, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the work force training and education coordinating board, the Washington federation of private career schools and colleges, the Washington association of independent college and universities, representatives from the high technology industry, and other higher education providers.

     Directs the work group to:  (1) Review the various needs of the high technology industry and the roles of the various institutions of higher education in meeting these needs,

     (2) establish priorities including but not limited to an inventory of higher education high technology programs and offerings,

     (3) develop strategies to address high technology needs, including employment demand and other needs, and

     (4) develop an implementation plan for action by the institutions of higher education and industry to enhance opportunities for action by the state, institutions of higher education, and industry to better meet these needs.

     Requires a report to the fiscal and higher education committees of the legislature by December 1, 2000, on progress made by the work group and any recommendations ready at the time for short and long-term strategies.

     Expires December 31, 2001.