§ 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.