CO SB097

Establishes the Area Technical College Grant Program within the Department of Higher Education to provide up to $4 million in annual grants to area technical colleges for capital construction and equipment purposes.

Area technical colleges may submit grant applications by July 15 each year; the Department reviews applications and recommends funding to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education for inclusion in budget requests.

Grant applications must identify how funds will be spent, specify student and program benefits, and disclose any matching funds; colleges receiving grants must report by August 1 on expenditures and impact on students.

Amends existing funding law to allow the Commission to recommend additional grant money for area technical colleges beyond direct grant increases.

The grant program sunsets effective July 1, 2026.