NC S687

Establishes the SparkNC Pilot Program authorizing SparkNC nonprofit to partner with selected public schools to offer modular, competency-based learning experiences in STEM that count as elective course credit titled "High-Tech Learning Accelerator"

Requires partnering school units to provide a physical learning lab staffed by a learning lab facilitator who facilitates instruction, advises students, designs learning experiences, and validates student work without requiring teacher licensure

Allows 18 named public school units to participate in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, with SparkNC permitted to add up to 10 additional units for 2024-2025

Credits earned through the program satisfy computer science graduation requirements if such a course is required for high school graduation

Requires SparkNC to report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by March 1, 2025 (interim) and March 1, 2026 (final) on student participation rates, completion rates, retention, costs, and recommendations for program changes