SB20-143: Higher Education Student Transition Pilot Program

• Establishes a pilot program in the Department of Higher Education to award grants to partnering 2-year and 4-year institutions that create transition programs allowing students to enroll in courses and access services at both institutions.

• Maximum grant amount is $150,000 annually per partnering pair, with initial one-year terms renewable annually for up to four additional years if institutions continue operating the program.

• Requires partnering institutions to enter a memorandum of understanding; individual institutions cannot apply alone; program participation must be free to students, though students pay tuition and fees for courses and services.

• Transition programs must classify students as members of both institutions, provide access to same services and benefits at either campus (including housing and campus life), offer wraparound support services, and include comprehensive advising staffed by dedicated full-time advisors based at the 2-year institution.

• Grantees must report participation numbers, student grade point averages, retention rates, transfer data, and graduation rates to the Department of Higher Education; the entire program repeals on June 30, 2026.