As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. (1) Cost of attendance has the same meaning as set forth in section 23-3.3-1002.
2. (2) Department means the department of higher education created in section 24-1-114.
3. (3) Financial assistance program for students experiencing homelessness or financial assistance program means the financial assistance program for students experiencing homelessness created in section 23-3.3-1502.
4. (4) Institution of higher education or institution means a state institution of higher education, as defined in section 23-18-102 (10)(a); local district college, as defined in section 23-71-102; or area technical college, as defined in section 23-60-103.

5. (5) Qualifying student means a resident of Colorado who has been accepted for enrollment at an institution of higher education and who:

   1. (a) Has been identified by designated school personnel as a homeless child or youth pursuant to section 725 of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. sec. 11434a while residing in Colorado at any time between the start of ninth grade and the end of twelfth grade; and
   2. (b) Will be seventeen years of age or older but under twenty-seven years of age at the time of financial assistance receipt.

Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1403), ch. 124, p. 411, § 1, effective April 29.