824353C4B98948D78725847E00693FA7 Hearing Summary

Christina Postolowski, Colorado Director, Young Invincibles, introduced herself to the committee and provided background information on the organization. She distributed a copy of her presentation, which can be accessed here: http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/lcs/yi_slides_co_higher_ed_interim_committee_9.23.19_1.pdf, and several documents about the organization (Attachment B).  She discussed youth engagement programs in the organization, including the Young Advocates Program, Youth Advisory Board, Denver Youth Leadership Academy, and an alumni network.  She talked about cost of obtaining a postsecondary degree and the impact of the decline of public investment in higher education.  She discussed a recent study conducted by Young Invincibles using the American Community Survey, a large U.S. Census survey of households, regarding the affordability of higher education.  Ms. Postolowski discussed the #RealCollege survey, as well as mental health on campuses and statistics regarding mental health and college completion rates.  She mentioned several policy suggestions for the committee to consider, including increased state funding for higher education, with a focus on need-based aid, funding for supportive services and mental health services on campus. Ms. Postolowski answered questions from the committee.