HB 21-1330 Summary

• Appropriates $51.5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to support students in completing postsecondary credentials through the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative, targeting low-income students and communities of color disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

• Creates institutional allocation program requiring higher education institutions to develop student assistance plans providing direct financial aid and indirect support services to help eligible students re-enroll and complete degrees or credentials.

• Establishes student aid applications completion grant program providing $1.5 million to local education providers to increase completion rates of free federal and state financial aid applications among high school students.

• Implements Colorado Re-Engaged (CORE) Initiative authorizing four-year institutions to award associate degrees to students who earned at least 70 credit hours but did not complete baccalaureate degrees, aiming to increase earning potential and encourage re-enrollment.

• Authorizes bachelor of applied science degree programs at community colleges and local district colleges with board approval, subject to workforce demand and cost-effectiveness considerations.