Bill > H971

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program for Career Development Plans (CDPs) in 12 selected schools across North Carolina, targeting students entering 7th grade in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The program aims to help students create and annually update individualized plans that guide their academic and career preparation through high school, with the ultimate goal of ensuring students graduate college or career ready. Participating schools will provide students with dedicated planning time and counselor support to develop these plans, which will include information about required courses, graduation requirements, and potential career paths. The bill emphasizes parental involvement, requiring schools to encourage parents to participate in plan development, provide annual written notices about the plans, and offer information about financial aid and college application processes. Schools will track students' progress through annual updates, with specific guidance provided at different grade levels such as identifying core course requirements in 8th grade and postsecondary goals in 10th grade. The Superintendent of Public Instruction will select geographically and demographically representative schools, oversee the program's implementation, and report on its effectiveness to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by August 15, 2026, and annually thereafter.

Education, Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H971