Senate Bill 21-106 Summary

• Expands the High School Innovative Learning Pilot Program to include individual schools, boards of cooperative services, and allows schools to apply independently or as part of their district.

• Requires applicants to explain how their innovative learning plans disproportionately benefit underserved students and considers whether plans include apprenticeships, internships, technical training, concurrent enrollment, or industry-recognized certificates.

• Establishes the Fourth-Year Innovation Pilot Program to provide state funding to low-income students who graduate early from participating high schools to pursue postsecondary education or career training.

• Eligible graduates graduating before their fourth year receive 75% of the average state per-pupil revenue (minimum $3,500) or those graduating before the second semester of fourth year receive 45% (minimum $2,000).

• Appropriates $220,115 to the Department of Education and $44,222 to the Department of Higher Education for 2021-22 fiscal year to implement both programs; Fourth-Year Innovation Pilot Program repeals December 31, 2027.