NC S240

Establishes the North Carolina Strategic Training And Reliable Skills (NCSTARS) Grant Program for academic years 2026-2027 through 2028-2029 to provide matching grants to community colleges partnering with public schools and local businesses for work-based learning programs targeting students age 16 and older

Three community colleges will be selected to receive grants of up to $500,000 per year, with the state matching $3 for every $1 of local funding; grant funds may be used for student stipends, travel expenses, and staff salaries

Appropriates $4,750,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund for fiscal year 2025-2026, with $200,000 designated for Surry-Yadkin Works technical assistance and $50,000 for System Office administrative support

Requires applications to include resolutions from community college boards and partnering school units, letters from at least five local employers, and plans modeled after the FLEET program operated by Surry-Yadkin Works

Mandates an initial report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by April 1, 2026, and a final report by August 1, 2029, evaluating program effectiveness and apprenticeship outcomes