The West Virginia Board of Education shall establish by July 1, 1990, an annual academy for talented vocational-technical education students, including a foundation for receiving private financial support. The purposes of the academy are to stimulate and reward student commitment to excellence in secondary vocational-technical education; to stimulate growth in the critical and creative thinking abilities of vocational-technical students; to assist exceptionally talented secondary vocational-technical education students to achieve their individual potentials; to bridge the gap between educational practice and the technological workplace; and to provide a medium for interaction between talented vocational-technical students and innovative leaders of business and industry and labor.
The state Board of Education may establish a coordinating committee to set operating guidelines for the academy and supporting foundation, including, but not limited to, selection of participants, promotion, program development, location, facilities and staffing.
The nonprofit academy foundation shall exist to solicit private funds and resources to enhance the operation of the academy.