Work-Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education

The bill creates the work-based learning consortium pilot program (pilot program) in the department of higher education (department). The purpose of the pilot program is to: develop and expand the integration of work-based learning experiences for students enrolled in higher education.

• Demonstrate the value of work-based learning in postsecondary curricula by studying the impact of industry-sponsored projects on course objectives and learning outcomes;
• Promote the adoption of work-based learning in higher education by working with faculty at participating institutions of higher education (participating institutions) to embed project-based learning opportunities into credit-bearing programs;
• Provide broader access to collegiate work-based learning for students;
• Measure the impact of work-based learning on participating students; and
• Learn how participating institutions can increase the value of postsecondary education through career exposure and preparedness.

On or before July 1, 2026, or within 90 days after the department receives sufficient funding Pending the receipt of sufficient funds, the department shall convene a consortium consisting of a group of representatives from institutions of higher education to of representatives from participating institutions, the commission on higher education (commission), members of the department of labor and employment, a member of the department of education, and a local or national subject matter expert with experience implementing work-based learning. The consortium shall:

• Share best practices on improving access to quality work-based learning opportunities for students Work with each participating institution's faculty to embed industry-sponsored projects in course curriculum that meet the work-based learning quality standards;
• Help participating institutions of higher education meet workforce needs in Colorado and connect academic learning with real-world experiences through career preparation and skill development for students; and Work with the department to determine the impact of industry-sponsored projects;
• Make recommendations to the general assembly and institutions of higher education on the best practices. Work with a third-party platform to connect faculty from participating institutions to employers for the purpose of developing high-quality, project-based learning opportunities for classroom instruction;
• Advise the commission on strategies to improve student access to high-quality, work-based learning opportunities for students based on participating faculty members' experience embedding industry-sponsored projects into curriculum;
• Develop best practices for participating institutions to expand access to work-based learning in the classroom through industry-sponsored projects; and
• Develop findings and recommendations.

Subject to available appropriations, at the end of the 3-year pilot program, the consortium shall complete and submit a report to the education committees of the house of representatives and the senate, or their successor committees. The report must include:

• A description of the consortium's findings and recommendations;
• Details on the consortium's impacts on participating institutions of higher education and the effects of creating additional work-based learning activities on students, faculty, and employers; and
• Recommendations for statutory changes, financial resources, department policy changes, and institution of higher education policy changes necessary to improve successful work-based learning opportunities for students in institutions of higher education.

On or before November 1, 2026, the commission shall recommend a list of terms used by institutions of higher education (institutions) related to work-based learning to the Colorado workforce development council for inclusion in the talent development glossary. Funds appropriated to the commission on higher education (commission) may be used by the commission to cover the costs of work-based learning requirements Institutions that are eligible for the work-study program may use work-study program money to cover the costs of work-based learning credits for students who are required to complete credit-bearing work-based learning requirements to graduate from an institution. of higher education. The office of economic development (office) administers the universal high school scholarship program (program). The bill allows the office to spend unexpended or unencumbered money appropriated in the 2023-24 state fiscal year through the 2025-26 state fiscal year without further appropriation. The bill requires that expenditures for the administrative costs of the program must not exceed $1.5 million. The bill requires the state treasurer to transfer all unexpended and unencumbered money in the universal high school scholarship cash fund on June 30, 2027.

(Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.)

(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)