House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.

Modifies and adds to the proposed changes to GS 115D-20(4)a, concerning college transfer pathway programs for high school students. Now allows local community colleges, subject to approval of the State Board of Community Colleges, to collaborate with local school administrative units to also offer courses through academic transition pathways for qualified junior and senior high school students that lead to a career technical education certificate, diploma, or State- or industry-recognized credential and academic transition pathways for qualified freshmen and sophomore high school students that lead to a career technical education certificate or diploma in business technologies (previously only expanded to include construction certificates and diplomas). Regarding community college collaborations with local administrative units for offering courses through college transfer certificate programs, now excludes freshmen from eligibility.  Modifies eligibility requirements for sophomores under the college transfer certificate program to now also require a determination by the Academically Gifted Coordinator, if one is employed by the student's high school or local unit, that the student is academically gifted, has demonstrated a readiness for the course material, and has the maturity to justify admission to the community college, in addition to requiring the same determination by the community college president and the student's high school principal or equivalent administrator. Adds additional criteria to require sophomores to participate in academic advising and obtain parental consent prior to participation. Makes organizational and clarifying changes.

Amends GS 115C-157.1 by adding to the State Board of Education's criteria for hiring an adjunct instructor to include in the minimum criteria that an individual can be qualified as an adjunct instructor without possessing an associate or baccalaureate degree if the individual (1) clearly demonstrates a minimum of six years in the last 10 years of professional experience in the relevant skill or trade and (2) possesses a recognized industry credential or an active professional license that is required for each subject area or course. Amends the cap on contracted adjunct instructor's hours, now allowing an adjunct instructor to be employed for no more than 20 hours per week or no more than five full consecutive months of employment (was, no more than 10 hours per week only). Clarifies that an adjunct instructor is not eligible for state employment benefits.

Changes the act's titles.