AN ACT to appropriate funds to the community colleges system office for the be pro be proud north carolina pilot program.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Program Established; Purpose. – From the funds appropriated in Section 3 of this act, the Community Colleges System Office shall contract with Be Pro Be Proud to build, implement, operate, and support a three‑year mobile statewide workforce development pilot program. The pilot program shall focus on generating student, parent, and educator interest in technical professions within the construction, manufacturing, transportation, and utility industries by emphasizing the high‑tech, high‑wage potential of these student career paths. The program shall also support progress towards North Carolina's postsecondary attainment goals to increase postsecondary degrees and certificates in the skilled trade professions.

SECTION 2.  Components of the Program. – In meeting the goals of the pilot program, Be Pro Be Proud shall provide for at least the following:

(1)        A custom‑built mobile workshop that brings elements of up to 12 skilled professions to middle and high school students through simulators and virtual reality experiences. Students on board this state of the art workshop will learn about various careers, job responsibilities, and average statewide wages for each career while stepping virtually into these professions. Students can engage directly with partners and are invited to sign up to learn more about one or more professions of interest.

(2)        Information and data collection for students by setting up a digital profile on Be Pro Be Proud's national Join the Movement partnership. With the consent of parents and students participating in the mobile workshops, the data collected shall be shared with the Community Colleges System Office, Department of Public Instruction, myFutureNC Commission, industry associations, and companies that are prompted to connect with the potential student recruits. The database management system shall provide a connection for student internships, scholarships, apprenticeships, full‑time jobs, and other opportunities.

(3)        Follow‑up opportunities for interested students to pursue their interests through hands‑on leadership opportunities, including gaining onsite learning experiences, volunteering, and participating in networking opportunities with potential job and postsecondary school recruiters.

(4)        Motivation for interested educators to stay engaged through a combination of scholarship opportunities and incentive programs.

(5)        Operation of the pilot program to coincide with the public school instructional calendar and various events for students that take place throughout the summer. A Be Pro Be Proud team shall operate the day‑to‑day functions of the statewide tour and engage with students each day. Additional volunteers shall be recruited to assist with the pilot program, including partner associations, companies, and schools, as well as teachers, parents, and students.

SECTION 3.  Appropriation. – There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Community Colleges System Office the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2021‑2022 fiscal year for the contract with Be Pro Be Proud to implement the mobile statewide workforce development pilot program in accordance with the requirements of this act. Any unexpended funds at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund but shall remain available for expenditure for the purposes described by this act until June 30, 2024.

SECTION 4.  Report. – The Community Colleges System Office shall submit a report by April 1, 2024, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the Fiscal Research Division on the activities described by this act and the use of State funds.

SECTION 5.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2021.