Youth Mentoring and Academic Enhancement Commission.

HB 726 establishes the North Carolina Commission on Youth Mentoring and Academic Enhancement to create a state grant program supporting local nonprofits providing mentoring and tutoring for high school students. The commission will distribute funding from the State Education Lottery to organizations focused on reducing substance use and gang involvement while building adult connections for at-risk youth in all 100 counties. Key provisions include requiring nonprofits to offer academic tutoring in core subjects and enrichment activities, with grants prioritizing programs where at least 60% of staff are under 30 and from the local community. The commission must report annually on grant recipients, funds distributed, and academic outcomes for participants.