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DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB26-1006 to support college students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds.
“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,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “With the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to improving outcomes for students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. This bill supports rural communities with higher education institutions that serve Coloradans from all backgrounds.”
“When resources are tailored to the individual needs of our students, they’re better equipped for life after graduation,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “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. In Colorado, we celebrate all students, and this bill helps our students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds achieve their dreams.”
HB26-1006 passed the House by a vote of 43-22. This bill 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.