NC H396

Establishes a Community College Innovative Pilot Program for participating community colleges to create new workforce development programs in development tier one and tier two counties.

Provides initial funding for planning and start-up operational costs to help community colleges build student enrollment and support job attainment in economically distressed areas.

Program runs for three academic years from 2016-2017 through 2018-2019, with the State Board of Community Colleges selecting participating colleges in collaboration with the Department of Commerce.

Requires the State Board to report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by September 1, 2019, on fund usage, student enrollment and outcomes, job placement data, and recommendations for statewide expansion.