Bill > H365

This bill aims to enhance workforce education and career opportunities in North Carolina by making several key changes. The State Board of Community Colleges will revise its funding formula starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, allocating funds based on full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment in curriculum, workforce continuing education, and Basic Skills courses, with additional weighting for different workforce sectors considering salary data and labor market demand. The bill establishes an Enrollment Increase Reserve to provide additional funding to community colleges experiencing significant enrollment growth. For cooperative innovative high schools, the bill introduces a tiered funding model that provides different levels of financial support based on the county's development tier designation. The Department of Public Instruction will receive funding to create multiple grant programs, including a $30 million grant for STEM education, a $20 million grant to expand career and technical education (CTE) opportunities, and a $25 million grant to develop industry-school partnerships for internships and apprenticeships. Additionally, the bill allocates $10 million for a community college enrollment awareness campaign targeting public school students and parents, aimed at promoting career pathways, dual enrollment, and certification opportunities. The overall goal is to strengthen workforce development, improve educational opportunities, and better align education with labor market needs.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H365