NC H849

Increases forgivable loan amounts from $4,125 to $6,000 per semester for North Carolina high school seniors, transfer students, degree holders, and students changing majors in approved educator preparation programs.

Expands participating private institutions from four to eight selected schools with approved educator preparation programs, while maintaining participation from all University of North Carolina constituent institutions.

Allocates up to $600,000 annually for extracurricular enhancement activities including summer programs and alumni engagement to promote retention in the teaching profession.

Reduces service requirements for loan forgiveness by allowing one year of service at low-performing schools (instead of two years) or six months at low-performing schools (instead of one year) to count toward forgiveness.

Dedicates up to $500,000 annually for strategic recruitment targeting regions with highest teacher attrition rates and focuses on STEM and special education licensure areas, effective July 1, 2023.