The bill allows Emily Griffith Technical College to offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program with the approval of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education. The key aspects of the bill are:
Key Components of the Degree Program:
Registered Apprenticeship Program: The degree program must include a registered apprenticeship component, offering students hands-on work experience in addition to classroom learning.
Transferable General Education Courses: The program will include general education courses that are transferable, which can help students pursue further education if desired.
Approval Considerations:
When the college requests approval to offer a degree program, the board will evaluate the following factors:
Student and Workforce Demand: Whether there is sufficient demand from students and industries for the program.
Alignment with Registered Apprenticeship Programs: The program should align with existing apprenticeship programs to ensure relevancy and effectiveness.
Cost-Effectiveness: The board will assess whether the program offers value for students and the state, ensuring the costs are justified by the benefits.
Accreditation and Licensing: The program must meet relevant accreditation and licensing standards.
Funding Eligibility:
Once approved, the degree program will be eligible to receive funding under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act, a federal program that provides funding for vocational and technical education initiatives.
This bill enables Emily Griffith Technical College to create a new degree program that integrates apprenticeship training and general education to enhance the skill set of students. With approval from the state board, the program can receive federal funding and better serve the workforce demands of Colorado.
Summary
The bill permits Emily Griffith technical college (college) to offer
an associate of applied science degree program (degree program) with approval from the state board for community colleges and occupational education (board). The degree program must include a registered apprenticeship program and certain transferable general education courses. In considering the college's request to offer a degree program, the
board shall consider student and workforce demand, alignment with registered apprenticeship programs, cost-effectiveness for students and the state, and accreditation and licensing requirements. An approved degree program is eligible to receive federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act funds.
