NC H670

Establishes the Career and College Pathways Innovation Challenge Grant Program to increase postsecondary enrollment and completion, align education with labor market needs, and eliminate educational opportunity gaps through local and regional partnerships

State Board of Community Colleges will administer competitive grants up to $200,000 per participating community college, with up to 4% for administrative costs and up to 10% for marketing and communications

Appropriates $5 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Community Colleges System Office for fiscal year 2025-2026

Directs $2 million of program funds in fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 specifically to community colleges in 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians affected by Hurricane Helene

Requires annual reporting by July 15 to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on grant amounts awarded, number of participating colleges, and partnership progress disaggregated by demographic characteristics