Establishes the North Carolina Strategic Training And Reliable Skills Grant Program (NCSTARS) for the 2026-27 through 2028-29 academic years to provide matching grants to community colleges that partner with nearby public school units and local business partners to develop a regional, work-based learning program to provide opportunities to learn and reinforce key skills for postsecondary opportunities, including apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, to students age 16 and older that are eligible for work-based learning according to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Tasks the Community College Systems Office (Office) with creating a grant application to be made available to community colleges no later than 60 days after the act becomes law. Sets application deadline. Requires the Office to consult with Surry-Yadkin Works when determining which community colleges receive NCSTARS grants. Prioritizes the selection of applicants whose applications include the establishment of programs substantially similar to the Fostering Learning through Education, Employment, and Trades (FLEET) program operated by Surry-Yadkin Works. Sets forth six required components of the grant application. 

Caps grants to participating community colleges at $500,000 for each year of NCSTARS. Requires the Office to provide matching funds of every $3 for every $1 of local funding contributed. Lists the following permissible uses of grant funds: (1) stipends for students; (2) travel expenses for students; (3) staff salaries and benefits; and (4) other expenses incurred in the course of participating in NCSTARS. Requires Surry-Yadkin Works to provide ongoing technical assistance to all participating community colleges.

Requires the Office to provide an initial report to the specified NCGA committee on six listed matters pertaining to NCSTARS by April 1, 2026, with a final report due on five listed matters, including legislative recommendations, by August 1, 2029.

Appropriates $4.75 million from the General Fund to the Office for 2025-26 to provide NCSTARS grants. Specifies that the funds do not revert but remain available until the end of the 2028-29 fiscal year. Requires that of those funds, up to $200,000 be made available to Surry-Yadkin Works for technical assistance and up to $50,000 be made available to the Office for administrative support. Effective July 1, 2025.