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

Overview: OVERVIEW AND ANALYSIS: Section 6.6 of S.L. 2021-180 establishes the North Carolina Community College Short-Term Workforce Development Grant Program (Program) to be administered by the State Board of Community Colleges (SBCC) which must adopt rules for the disbursement of the grants under the Program. In collaboration with the Department of Commerce, the SBCC must determine the eligible programs of study for the Program, according to the occupations that are in the highest demand in the State. The eligible programs of study must, however, include programs such as architecture and construction, health sciences, information technology, electrical line worker, and manufacturing programs and can include other programs to meet local workforce needs.

The SBCC must award grants in an amount of up to $750.00 to students pursuing short-term, noncredit State and industry workforce credentials. The SBCC must establish criteria for initial and continuing eligibility for students and, at a minimum, must require that students qualify as North Carolina residents for tuition purposes. The SBCC must submit an initial report by April 1, 2022, and a final report by April 1, 2023, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and various other entities with information for each academic year and by programs of study, the amount of grant funds disbursed and the number of eligible students receiving funds.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This section became effective July 1, 2021.