Bill > S223

This bill expands academic transition pathways for sophomore high school students in North Carolina's community college system. Currently, such pathways were primarily available to junior and senior high school students, but this legislation allows qualified sophomore students to participate in two key types of programs. First, sophomores can now enroll in career technical education (CTE) certificate, diploma, or credential programs in specific fields like industrial technologies, agriculture, transportation, construction, and business technologies. Second, academically gifted sophomores can also pursue college transfer pathways, which involve completing 30 semester credit hours of transfer courses in English and mathematics. To be eligible for these transfer pathways, sophomores must receive approval from the community college president, their high school principal, and potentially the school's academically gifted coordinator. Additionally, the student must participate in academic advising about early college enrollment and obtain parental consent. The bill will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, providing more educational opportunities for advanced high school students to earn college credits or technical credentials simultaneously with their high school studies.

Education, Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S223