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DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lesley Smith and Eliza Hamrick to expand low and no-cost college-level courses to high school students. HB26-1078 passed by a vote of 8-3.
“Concurrent enrollment is a fantastic tool for high school students looking to advance their education, save money and try something new,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. “This bill broadens the scope of concurrent enrollment in Colorado to include off-campus courses offered by four-year higher ed institutions. Under our bill, high school students will soon have access to more high-quality college-level courses that save them time and money while exploring their future career options.”
“With this bill, we’re establishing stronger career pathways and educational opportunities for our students while they’re still in high school,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “The narrow definition of concurrent enrollment programs excluded our higher education institutions, and this bill makes it possible for our colleges and universities to offer accredited courses that meet the needs of today’s students. When we equip our students with the tools they need to learn and grow, including concurrent enrollment, we can save them money and time as they begin to build their careers.”
HB26-1078 extends concurrent enrollment in Colorado to include off-campus courses offered by higher education institutions. Concurrent enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses, saving them money and time while accelerating their degree completion. Students can typically earn high school and college credits simultaneously for certain courses.
Under current law, off-campus courses are excluded from concurrent enrollment programs unless they are part of the Teaching Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) program. This means only high school classrooms meet the concurrent enrollment course requirements. This bill modifies the narrow requirement by allowing higher education institutions to follow state and federal requirements and accreditation guidelines. Some examples of concurrent enrollment courses include English, history, speech, algebra and biology,
This bill also applies to post-secondary technical and career education courses offered through area technical colleges, which are non-traditional, hands-on courses such as workshops, certificate classes, and skilled trades. HB26-1078 would create stronger career pathways for Colorado high school students by allowing them to explore hands-on and unique educational experiences while still completing their degree requirements.