SB20-031 Summary

• Creates the Improve Student Success Innovation Pilot Program within the Department of Higher Education to incentivize collaboration among multiple higher education institutions to improve student success and postsecondary completion.

• Requires the Department and Commission on Higher Education to prioritize program proposals addressing common barriers to student success, including application completion, student retention and access to support services, and efficient degree/credential completion.

• Program proposals must include a research phase (not more than one year) to identify barriers and an implementation phase (not less than two years) to implement and evaluate solutions.

• Appropriates $20 million per year for fiscal years 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 from the general fund to distribute to selected institutions implementing approved programs.

• Requires annual reports to the Joint Budget Committee and education committees on program outcomes, costs, student participation and satisfaction, and program efficacy; the pilot program repeals July 1, 2024.