A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to establish a community college innovative Pilot program.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The State Board of Community Colleges shall establish the Community College Innovative Pilot Program for participating community colleges to establish new, innovative workforce development programs in development tier one and tier two counties as defined in G.S. 143B‑437.08. The purpose of the pilot program is to expand the options available to community colleges in establishing new programs targeting the workforce development needs of economically distressed areas of the State by providing (i) initial funding for planning and start‑up operational costs for new programs and (ii) the opportunity for community colleges to build student enrollment to create tuition‑supported programs and increased job attainment for students. Implementation of the pilot program shall begin with the 2016‑2017 academic year, continue for a period of three academic years, ending with the 2018‑2019 academic year.
SECTION 2.  The State Board of Community Colleges, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, shall develop criteria for approval of an application submitted by a community college serving a development tier one or tier two county to participate in the pilot program in accordance with the provisions of this act. Depending on the pool of applicants, the State Board shall select community college programs for participation in the pilot program that represent the geographic diversity of North Carolina's resident population. A community college seeking to participate in the pilot program shall submit to the State Board a completed Curriculum Program Application for a New‑to‑the‑System Program Title.
SECTION 3.  The State Board of Community Colleges shall report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by September 1, 2019, on the implementation and administration of the pilot program, including at least the following information:
(1)	The use of funds by community colleges participating in the pilot program, including:
a.	Start‑up costs to establish new programs.
b.	Costs associated with student instruction, including faculty salaries, instructional supplies, and related instructional equipment.
c.	Financial assistance for students, including assistance with tuition, registration fees, books, and certification costs.
(2)	Evaluation of the success of the community college programs, including:
a.	Student enrollment numbers.
b.	Student outcomes, including job attainment and placement data and completion of any certification, diploma, or associate degree programs.
c.	Number and type of programs that were fully supported by student tuition by the completion of the pilot program.
(3)	Any recommendations on the expansion of the pilot program statewide and potential modifications to the State funding method for community colleges related to providing funds for new programs.
SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law.