NC S578

Establishes the CARDINAL Corps Program to provide fellowships placing recent high school graduates (within 2 years) and returning military members in high-need sectors including disaster relief, education, public safety, public service, farming/food security, and veteran services

Host recipients (businesses, schools, local governments, nonprofits) may receive up to $30,200 per fellow annually for salary, equipment, training, uniforms, mentor stipends, and a $5,000 completion award, with a 1:1 match required from non-State funds

Fellows receive a maximum weekly pay of $600 for nine consecutive months, plus the $5,000 completion award upon finishing the fellowship

Appropriates $1,485,000 in nonrecurring General Fund money to the Department of Commerce, with intent to grow the program by 100 fellows per year until reaching 1,000 annual participants

NCWorks Commission administers the program, hosts biannual fellows conferences (up to $1,000 per fellow), and must report annually to legislative committees beginning June 15, 2026