(1)    The legislature finds it in the public interest to provide a system of technical colleges which enables eligible persons to acquire the occupational skills training necessary for full participation in the work force; which stresses job training and retraining; which recognizes the rapidly changing educational needs of residents to keep current with the demands of the work place and through its course offerings and programs facilitates educational options for residents; which fosters economic development; which provides education through associate degree programs and other programs below the baccalaureate level; which functions cooperatively with other educational institutions and other governmental bodies; and which provides services to all members of the public.

   (1m)   The board shall be responsible for the initiation, development, maintenance and supervision of programs with specific occupational orientations below the baccalaureate level, including associate degrees, training of apprentices and adult education below the professional level.

   (2)   The principal purposes of the technical college system are to:

      (a)    Provide occupational education and training and retraining programs, including the training of apprentices, that enable residents to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment at a technical, paraprofessional, skilled or semiskilled occupation. Such programs include general education courses to facilitate student achievement in occupational skills training. The district boards should maintain courses at standards acceptable to national, regional and professional accrediting agencies and associations.

      (b)    Provide customized training and technical assistance to business and industry in order to foster economic development and the expansion of employment opportunities.

   (3)   The additional purposes of the technical college system are to:

      (a)   

         1.    Contract with secondary schools, including tribal schools, to provide educational opportunities for high school age students in order to enhance their potential for benefiting from postsecondary education and for obtaining employment.

         2.    Coordinate and cooperate with secondary schools, including tribal schools, to facilitate the transition of secondary school students into postsecondary technical college education through curriculum articulation and collaboration.

      (b)    Provide a collegiate transfer program.

      (c)    Provide community services and avocational or self-enrichment activities.

      (d)    Provide education in basic skills to enable students to effectively function at a literate level in society.

      (e)    Provide education and services which address barriers created by stereotyping and discriminating and assist individuals with disabilities, minorities, women, and the disadvantaged to participate in the work force and the full range of technical college programs and activities.