Sen. Lowe files bill in North Carolina Senate to create CARDINAL Corps fellowship program

A new bill filed by Sen. Lowe proposes the North Carolina CARDINAL Corps Program to provide fellowship opportunities in high-need sectors and support recent graduates and veterans, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 578 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘North Carolina CARDINAL Corps Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes the North Carolina CARDINAL Corps Program to provide fellowship opportunities in critical, high-need sectors such as disaster relief, education, public safety, public service, farming and food security, and services for military families and veterans. The program supports recent high school graduates, GED completers, and individuals who have recently completed military deployment by offering fellowships that can lead to certifications, licensing, or an associate degree, ultimately aiming for full-time employment. Administered by the NCWorks Commission, the program allocates funds for fellows’ salaries, program expenses, and completion awards, with reimbursements for host recipients requiring a 1:1 match of non-state funds. Each fellowship lasts nine months, with a $600 weekly pay cap and a $5,000 completion award. A biannual fellows conference is included for career development, and a report on program progress is due annually starting June 15, 2026. The initiative launches with $1.485 million in appropriated funds, effective July 1, 2025.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Sophia Chitlik proposed the most bills (52) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Lowe graduated from Bishop College in 1985 with a BA and again from Drew University School of Theology with a DMIN.

Lowe, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2015 to represent the state’s 32nd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Earline Parmon.