S105 - 2021 Appropriations Act. (SL 2021-180)

Overview: Section 6.5 of S.L. 2021-180 establishes a two-year pilot program between Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), New Hanover County Schools, and Pender County Schools to meet the needs of underserved students in seventh through ninth grade through an opportunity for extended time on CFCC's campus in various career and technical education programs. The goals of the program include the following:

• Exposing students from underperforming schools and underserved populations to career training opportunities available at CFCC.
• Guiding students toward successful career outcomes.
• Providing support services to students, including academic tutoring, academic counseling, personal mentoring, and financial support through financial aid and scholarships.
• Increasing graduation and postsecondary outcomes for these students.

The program must consist of a summer career academy and the placement of time-limited career liaisons in certain middle schools in New Hanover County Schools and Pender County Schools to support at-risk students. The summer career academy must be offered to up to 300 students in seventh through ninth grade from the two local school administrative units (LEAs). Students will visit two career and technical education programs per day for five consecutive days for two consecutive weeks in different subject areas. The career academy program must include speakers and support for financial aid and scholarship opportunities and an introduction to the Career and College Promise Program.

By October 1, 2022, CFCC and the two LEAs must submit an initial report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and other entities on the following:

• Results of the pilot program.
• Placement of the career liaisons in schools.
• Number of students who enrolled in Career and College Promise Program pathways following completion of the career academy program.
• Other relevant student outcome data for at-risk students.

A final report must be submitted by October 1, 2023.

This section became effective July 1, 2021.