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DENVER, CO — The House Education Committee today passed two bills. HB26-1006 would support college students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. HB26-1028 would celebrate and support students who speak more than one language.
“Institutions that know how to meet the needs of a diverse student body are better able to equip students for success,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB26-1006. “No matter their zip code or background, Colorado students should have access to a world-class education at an institution that strives to meet their needs. Creating this designation for Colorado’s higher education institutions will improve outcomes for students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. This bill supports communities, especially in rural areas, with institutions that serve Coloradans from all backgrounds.”
“Students need resources and support that is tailored to them to secure good-paying jobs after graduation,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB26-1006 and HB26-1028. “These bills prioritize and celebrate students from diverse backgrounds. As the federal government actively works to punish minority serving institutions and the communities they serve, we’re boosting Colorado’s higher education landscape and supporting students of different backgrounds and income levels. HB26-1028 makes it easier for students to earn a bilingualism endorsement while in high school. Together, these combined efforts prepare our students for the workforce and future employers, universities and trade schools.”
HB26-1006, which passed committee by a vote of 8-4 would establish a thriving designation for post-secondary higher education institutions. This legislation would also boost Colorado’s higher education landscape and support students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. To receive the thriving designation, higher education institutions would need to meet certain criteria, such as aligning with Colorado’s workforce development priorities. A diverse advisory committee would help the Colorado Department of Higher Education determine designations.
In September, the Trump Administration cut $350 million in discretionary funding for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI). This cut impacted higher-education institutions across the state, including Morgan Community College, Lamar Community College, Pueblo Community College, and Arapahoe Community College.
The goal of HB26-1006 is to create an outcome-based designation at the state level to recognize outstanding institutions that serve diverse student populations and make it easier for them to apply for future funding sources or grants.
“There are thousands of multilingual students in Colorado’s public schools and they deserve recognition,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB26-1028. “Our legislation establishes a new bilingualism endorsement for multilingual high school students. This designation showcases their talents to future employers, universities and trade schools, which better prepares them for life after high school.”
HB26-1028, which passed committee by a vote of 8-5, would expand access to language proficiency designations to improve educational outcomes for high school students who speak more than one language. This bill would create a diploma endorsement for bilingualism, which would require students to speak, listen, and understand another language in addition to English. The bill also expands access to the State Seal of Biliteracy, which requires students to showcase their language skills more rigorously through writing exams or coursework.
Colorado's public schools educate 114,482 multilingual students, and this bill would help students display their language skills and set them on a strong pathway for future careers.