HB 13-1005 Summary

• Establishes the Accelerated Certificates Program allowing the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education to design career and technical education certificates completable within 12 months for underemployed or unemployed adults with insufficient math or information literacy skills.

• Requires each certificate program to integrate basic education coursework in mathematics and English with career and technical skills training, jointly designed by faculty from all three disciplines.

• Authorizes community colleges, local district junior colleges, and area vocational schools to voluntarily participate in the program by offering one or more certificate programs.

• Mandates participating institutions to submit annual reports by July 1 beginning in 2014, including enrollment numbers, completion rates, and the percentage of graduates who obtained employment or pursued further education in their certificate subject area.

• Declares the act necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety.