The bill amends the Education Code to expand the eligibility criteria for students to participate in the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program. It allows students enrolled in private schools, including home schools, to qualify for dual credit courses at no cost, provided they meet certain conditions, such as being educationally disadvantaged in the four years prior to enrollment. Additionally, school districts, charter schools, and private schools are required to determine and notify institutions of higher education regarding a student's eligibility based on established criteria.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that institutions of higher education participating in the FAST program receive funding based on the number of eligible students enrolled in dual credit courses, regardless of whether they are from public or private schools. The coordinating board is tasked with distributing funds accordingly, and the bill specifies that these changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.0095, Education Code 61.059 (Education Code 61, Education Code 28)