1. (1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

   1. (a) Board means the state board for community colleges and occupational education created in section 23-60-104.
   2. (b) Degree program means a degree program offered by the Emily Griffith technical college pursuant to subsection (2) of this section that confers an associate of applied science degree.
2. (2) The Emily Griffith technical college may, with board approval, offer an associate of applied science degree program to students who are enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program.

3. (3) The degree program must:

   1. (a) Include a registered apprenticeship program within its curricular design;
   2. (b) Include sufficient transferable general education courses to complete the requirements for the designated degree program, as applicable, and pursuant to the guaranteed transfer pathways matrix described in section 23-1-108.5 or a statewide degree transfer agreement;
   3. (c) Align with high-need, high-demand occupations as identified by student demand and the most recent Colorado talent report created pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 (3); and
   4. (d) Be submitted to the Colorado department of higher education for inclusion in statewide publications of academic degree programs and the guaranteed transfer pathways matrix described in section 23-1-108.5, as applicable.

4. (4)

   1. (a) Before the Emily Griffith technical college may offer an associate of applied science degree pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, the Emily Griffith technical college shall determine the program designation for the degree.
   2. (b) After determining the program designation for the associate of applied science degree pursuant to subsection (4)(a) of this section, the Emily Griffith technical college shall submit the degree program to the board for the board's review and approval. The Emily Griffith technical college may offer the degree program only after the degree program has been approved by the board.

5. (5)

   1. (a) In deciding whether to approve a request by the Emily Griffith technical college to offer a degree program pursuant to subsection (4)(b) of this section, the board shall consider only the following criteria:

      1. (I) Student and workforce demand;
      2. (II) Alignment of the degree program with other registered apprenticeship programs offered by the Emily Griffith technical college;
      3. (III) Cost-effectiveness of the degree program for the students and the state; and
      4. (IV) Accreditation and licensing requirements for the degree program.
   2. (b) The board shall notify the Colorado commission on higher education of each degree program that the board approves pursuant to this section.
6. (6) Consistent with the statewide master plan created pursuant to section 23-1-108 (1.5), a degree program established pursuant to this section is eligible to receive funds through the federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, 20 U.S.C. sec. 2301 et seq.

Source: L. 2025: Entire section added, (HB 25-1221), ch. 71, p. 309, § 3, effective August 6.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 25-1221, see section 1 of chapter 71, Session Laws of Colorado 2025.