Senate Bill 1723 establishes the Community College Opportunity Grant Fund to provide grants for eligible students enrolled in Arizona tribal colleges and community colleges. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 annually from the state General Fund for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027, totaling $15,000,000. The grants are intended to cover tuition and approved educational fees for up to 18 credit hours per year.

The bill outlines eligibility criteria for students to receive the grants, including having graduated from an Arizona high school or obtained a high school equivalency diploma, completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), enrolling for at least 6 credit hours, and meeting income requirements. The grants are to be prorated if funds are insufficient, and they cannot exceed the cost of tuition and fees minus other financial aid. The bill also defines "approved educational fees" and requires cooperation from colleges for grant distribution. The act is effective retroactively to August 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-1454