H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 6.9A of S.L. 2023-134 establishes a career academies program (program) between Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), New Hanover County Schools, and Pender County Schools (education partners) for underserved seventh through ninth grade students that will operate during the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium.

The education partners must offer a summer career academy program to up to 300 at-risk students that will introduce students to life on a college campus by visiting two career and technical education programs per day for five consecutive days for two consecutive weeks in different subject areas. The program must include speakers and support for financial aid and scholarship opportunities and an introduction to the Career and College Promise Program. In addition, CFCC must hire career liaisons for placement in education partner middle schools to support at-risk students and provide exposure to career and technical education opportunities.

CFCC, in collaboration with the other education partners, must report annually while funds are expended under the program, beginning October 1, 2024, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the Fiscal Research Division on the results of the pilot program and the placement of the career liaisons in schools to support at risk students.

This section became effective July 1, 2023.