Substitute Bill No. 6885 seeks to enhance the Debt-Free Community College Program by updating eligibility criteria and award structures for students attending the Connecticut State Community College. The bill replaces references to "regional community-technical colleges" with "Connecticut State Community College" and expands the definition of a "qualifying student" to include high school graduates and those in transition programs. The minimum award amounts remain unchanged at $500 for full-time students and $300 for part-time students, with awards based on the remaining eligible institutional costs after financial aid. Additionally, a new provision allows students who have completed at least 60 credits through the program to continue their education at state universities within the Connecticut State University System or The University of Connecticut, provided they meet certain requirements.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a "finish line scholars program" designed to offer financial awards to qualifying students enrolled in state universities. It defines full-time and part-time students based on credit hours and mandates that the Board of Regents for Higher Education and the Board of Trustees of The University of Connecticut develop the program and report on its implementation. Starting in the fall semester of 2025, the program will fund awards for the first 72 credit hours earned or until a bachelor's degree is obtained, ensuring that these awards do not supplant existing financial aid. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions for ongoing reporting to legislative committees on various program metrics.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 4-89
HED Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 457:
APP Joint Favorable: