Early College Program And P-tech School Expansion

The bill creates the early college policy development advisory group (advisory group) to design and recommend policies and changes to law to support the statewide development of and funding for early college programs and p-tech schools. The bill specifies the membership of the advisory group, which is appointed by the governor and must include members of the education leadership council, and the specific duties of the advisory group. In completing its duties, the advisory group must coordinate with the education leadership council. The advisory group must prepare an interim report and a final report of its findings and recommendations, and submit the reports by December 1, 2020, and December 1, 2021, respectively, to the governor, the education leadership council, the state board of education (state board), the Colorado commission on higher education (CCHE), and the education committees of the general assembly. The bill creates a legislative advisory council to provide advice and comment to the advisory group.

The bill expands the existing concurrent enrollment expansion and innovation grant program to include grants for specified purposes related to providing opportunities for students to simultaneously enroll in postsecondary courses or engage in work-based learning opportunities while enrolled in high school.

The bill extends for 2 additional budget years funding for students who enroll in an early college program that was approved before June 6, 2018, and who enroll in postsecondary courses in the fifth or sixth year of high school.

The bill authorizes the distribution of state financial assistance to students who enroll in postsecondary courses while still enrolled in high school.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)