CO SB003

Creates the Colorado Adult High School Program through a public-private partnership between the Department of Education and a Colorado community-based nonprofit organization to provide free high school diplomas to adults age 21 and older who have not completed high school.

Eligible nonprofit education providers must secure a building, hire educators and life coaches, use evidence-based educational models proven effective through rigorous study, and offer both in-person and online courses with a maximum enrollment of 400 students at one time.

Education providers must fund industry-recognized certificates and college credits at no cost to students, operate a licensed on-site child care center, provide transportation assistance, and serve all students regardless of immigration status.

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the general fund for the 2023-24 fiscal year, with $4,798,852 allocated to the program and $21,148 for legal services; unexpended funds remain available through the 2026-27 budget year.

Program automatically repeals effective July 1, 2027; the Department must report program data to the legislature by November 30, 2025, November 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, including graduation rates, student demographics, and industry certificate attainment.