S257 - 2026 Appropriations Act. (SL 2026-41)

Session Year 2024

Overview: 7.26 of S.L. 2026-41 (Senate Bill 257) directs the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to use up to $2 million dollars in nonrecurring funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to create a grant program for modernization of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, materials, training, and professional development for courses in grades 6-12. DPI must establish the grant program and allow public school units or regional partnerships of more than one public school unit to apply to receive grant funds, if a school within the unit or partnership has an existing CTE program.

Grant recipients must use the grant funds to procure and implement an online digital CTE learning platform containing comprehensive courses with lesson plans, content and activities, and interactive assessments that align with the North Carolina CTE Standards. The platform must have modules that assist teachers in preparing students for high-wage, high-growth career areas. By October 1, 2026, DPI must select digital CTE learning providers to guarantee consistency throughout the State. Any selected digital CTE learning platform must include at least all of the following components:

Instructional strategies and guided lesson plans to assist teachers with classroom implementation and instructional differentiation.
Media-based instructional content for providing demonstrations and instruction on skills required for applicable career areas.
Multiple methods of delivery of instruction, including at least face-to-face, self-paced, and distance or hybrid learning.
Guided projects and activities to incorporate hands-on application of skills.
A focus on mastery-based learning.
Reporting features to provide data on student progress.
Guidance for students to obtain industry-recognized certifications.
Career connections to provide examples of career opportunities following graduation from high school.

This section became effective July 1, 2026.

Additional Information: