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

Overview: OVERVIEW AND ANALYSIS: Section 6.10 of S.L. 2021-180 requires the Community Colleges System Office (System Office) to allocate funds to expand five pilot programs at community colleges targeting adult learners to return to higher education to gain new skills, advance in the workplace, and complete a degree or credential. The pilot programs include the NC Reconnect program and other programs that focus on at least the following categories of adult learners:

• Students who are age 25 years or older.
• Students with varying education levels, including no high school diploma or equivalent or some community college credentials or postsecondary degree.
• Students who have started postsecondary programs but dropped out before completion in the last five years.
• Nontraditional students, including part time students, parents, or students with limited scheduling options due to work or other responsibilities.

The funds can be used to expand the pilot programs to other community college campuses and at the existing community college sites for marketing and outreach, as well as for enrollment of students into the programs, particularly for students who have dropped out of postsecondary degree or credential programs prior to completion. By March 1, 2023, the System Office must report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and various other entities on the results of the expansion of the pilot programs, including the number of students enrolled into degree and credential programs, the number of students completing a degree or credentialing program, and legislative recommendations for further expansion and the estimated cost of the programs.

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