Cooper investing federal funding in programs for postsecondary students and new teachers

Governor Roy Cooper has announced he will direct $14.5 million in federal funding to benefit postsecondary students and new teachers. 

The governor announced on Friday he'll invest more than half of the newly available funding toward the Finish Line Grants program for the next two academic years. Cooper initiated the program in 2018 as a way of providing grants to community college students who face unexpected emergencies such as medical bills or car repairs. According to a news release, grant administration will transition from the Department of Commerce to the North Carolina Community College System. 

The community college network will also receive $5 million to continue providing financial aid grants to students completing short-term training programs that provide credentials in high-demand fields. 

The governor is also directing $2 million to the UNC System for its NC New Teacher Support Program, which for eight years has provided coaching and professional development support to beginning teachers across the state. 

The influx of new funding comes as the demand from educators is outpacing the program's capacity.