NC S351

Community Colleges System Office shall contract with Be Pro Be Proud to operate a three-year mobile statewide workforce development pilot program focusing on construction, manufacturing, transportation, and utility industries.

Custom-built mobile workshop will showcase up to 12 skilled professions to middle and high school students through simulators and virtual reality experiences, displaying career information and average statewide wages.

Program will collect student data with parental consent and share information with the Community Colleges System Office, Department of Public Instruction, myFutureNC Commission, industry associations, and companies to connect students with internships, scholarships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities.

Five million dollars ($5,000,000) in nonrecurring funds appropriated from the General Fund for fiscal year 2021-2022, with unexpended funds remaining available through June 30, 2024.

Community Colleges System Office must submit a report by April 1, 2024, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and Fiscal Research Division detailing program activities and use of state funds; act becomes effective July 1, 2021.