Bill > S578

This bill establishes the North Carolina CARDINAL (Communities Advancing Real Development by Investing in Newly Accomplished Leaders) Corps Program, a fellowship initiative designed to address workforce shortages in critical sectors by providing opportunities for recent high school graduates and military veterans. The program will support fellowships in six key areas: disaster relief and recovery, education, public safety, public service, farming and food security, and support for military families and veterans. Host recipients like businesses, schools, local governments, and nonprofits can participate by offering nine-month fellowships to eligible individuals, with fellows receiving a weekly salary of $600 and a $5,000 completion award. The NCWorks Commission will administer the program, allocating funds equally between recent high school graduates and post-military deployment individuals, with host recipients required to match state funds dollar-for-dollar. The program aims to grow to 1,000 participants annually, with an initial appropriation of $1,485,000 from the General Fund. The commission will host biannual conferences to support fellows' career development and will submit annual reports on the program's progress. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, with the intent of providing career pathways and addressing workforce needs in critical sectors.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S578