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Bill Summary · HB 1125

Summary of HB 1125 (Session 2025) – The Wakaboomee Program

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a targeted funding mechanism to support STEM, STEAM, and related opportunities in rural and underserved communities in North Carolina.
  • Specifically authorizes a grant to Wakaboomee, a nonprofit organization, to expand statewide reach into Johnston and Wayne Counties and extend programming to additional rural areas.

Key Provisions

  • Funding and Source

    • Allocates $100,000 in nonrecurring General Fund money for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
    • Funds are to be administered by the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM).

  • Grant Details

    • The grant is awarded to Wakaboomee, a nonprofit corporation.
    • Intended purpose: expand Wakaboomee’s statewide reach and deliver STEM/STEAM programming to rural and underserved communities.

  • Geographic Focus

    • Expansion to Johnston County and Wayne County specifically identified for program delivery, with broader aims to reach additional rural and underserved communities within the state.

  • Program Focus

    • Emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education activities for community members.

  • Effective Date

    • The act becomes effective on July 1, 2026.

Who is Affected

  • Primary Beneficiary

    • Wakaboomee, a nonprofit organization receiving a state grant to fund expanded programming.

  • Target Communities

    • Rural and underserved communities in North Carolina, with explicit focus on Johnston and Wayne Counties as expansion sites.

  • State Agencies

    • Office of State Budget and Management administers the grant funds.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Funding Year

    • Nonrecurring funding available for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

  • Implementation Timeline

    • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
    • Requires OSBM to allocate the $100,000 grant to Wakaboomee for the specified purposes within the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

Notes

  • The bill is a straightforward appropriation bill (Public) establishing a one-time grant program rather than creating new programs or ongoing mandatory funding.
  • No additional reporting, performance metrics, or sunset provisions are specified in the text provided; such elements may be addressed in future implementing directives or grant agreements.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to prior Wakaboomee funding or provide a one-page briefing for lawmakers and stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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