[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2237 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2237
To direct the Secretary of Education to establish and carry out two
grant programs to make grants to eligible institutions to plan and
implement programs that provide comprehensive support services and
resources designed to increase graduation rates and transfer rates to
4-year institutions at community colleges, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 24, 2021
Mr. Schatz (for himself and Mr. Brown) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of Education to establish and carry out two
grant programs to make grants to eligible institutions to plan and
implement programs that provide comprehensive support services and
resources designed to increase graduation rates and transfer rates to
4-year institutions at community colleges, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Community College Student Success
Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I--COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAM
Sec. 101. Definitions.
Sec. 102. Community College Student Success Grant Program authorized.
Sec. 103. Grants to plan community college student success programs.
Sec. 104. Grants to implement, improve, or expand community college
student success programs.
Sec. 105. Evaluations.
Sec. 106. Outreach and technical assistance.
Sec. 107. Report to Congress.
Sec. 108. Relationship to other student financial assistance.
Sec. 109. Supplement not supplant.
Sec. 110. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II--PART TIME COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAM
Sec. 201. Definitions.
Sec. 202. Part time community College Student Success Grant Program
authorized.
Sec. 203. Grants to plan part time community college student success
programs.
Sec. 204. Grants to implement, improve, or expand part time community
college student success programs.
Sec. 205. Evaluations.
Sec. 206. Outreach and technical assistance.
Sec. 207. Report to Congress.
Sec. 208. Supplement, not supplant.
Sec. 209. Authorization of appropriations.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Eligible institution.--The term ``eligible
institution'' means--
(A) a public 2-year institution of higher
education; or
(B) a partnership between--
(i) a public 2-year institution of higher
education; and
(ii) a nonprofit organization identified as
an evidence-based comprehensive student success
program by the Department of Education.
(2) Evidence-based comprehensive student success program.--
The term ``evidence-based comprehensive student success
program'' means a program that uses a comprehensive approach to
student success and meets the criteria for receiving an
expansion grant from the Education Innovation and Research
program, as determined by the Department of Education.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term under section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
(5) Transfer rate.--The term ``transfer rate'', when used
with respect to students enrolled in a program of study at an
eligible institution, means that rate at which such students
transfer to a 4-year institution of higher education.
TITLE I--COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAM
SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Community college student success program.--The term
``community college student success program'' means a program
carried out by an eligible institution under which the
institution carries out the following:
(A) Provides eligible students participating in
such program with an amount that covers the cost of
tuition and fees that are not covered by any Federal,
State, or institutional financial assistance received
by the student.
(B) Requires eligible students participating in
such program to--
(i) be enrolled in the eligible institution
and carry a full-time academic workload during
each fall and spring semester (or equivalent
terms) during which the student participates in
such program;
(ii) if the eligible student is referred to
remedial courses or on academic probation,
meet, on at least a weekly basis or under an
alternate schedule, as determined by the
institution, with a tutor, except that in the
case of an eligible student who is academically
struggling, but who is not referred to remedial
courses or on academic probation, the student
may meet with a tutor at least as often as the
program advisor for such student requires or
under an alternate schedule, as determined by
the institution;
(iii) meet with a program advisor--
(I) twice each month during the
first semester (or equivalent term) of
participation in such program; and
(II) as directed by the program
advisor in subsequent semesters (or
equivalent terms) under subparagraph
(C)(ii); and
(iv) meet with an on-campus career advisor
or participate in a career services event or
program once each semester (or equivalent term)
or under an alternate schedule, as determined
by the institution.
(C) Provides a program advisor to each eligible
student participating in such program who--
(i) provides comprehensive academic and
personal advising to the eligible student,
including--
(I) the creation and implementation
of an academic plan for the student to
graduate from a program of study at the
eligible institution within 150 percent
of the normal time for graduation from
such program;
(II) taking steps to enable an
eligible student referred to remedial
courses to complete college mathematics
and English in their first year; and
(III) assisting the eligible
student with developing and achieving
academic goals, including creating
strong transfer pathways (including
articulation agreements that guarantee
admission), that demonstrate
programmatic transfer for students
interested in transferring to a 4-year
institution of higher education;
(ii) after the eligible student
participating in such program completes a
semester (or equivalent term), creates for the
eligible student a needs-based advising
schedule that indicates, based on the eligible
student's academic performance, the frequency
with which such eligible student shall be
required to meet with a program advisor for
each subsequent semester (or equivalent term)
of program participation;
(iii) has a caseload of not more than 125
eligible students;
(iv) tracks the attendance of the eligible
student at the meetings described in clauses
(ii), (iii), and (iv) of subparagraph (B);
(v) monitors the academic progress of the
eligible student; and
(vi) provides each eligible student who
meets the requirements of subparagraph (B), on
at least a monthly basis, with financial
incentives support that will enhance student
success.
(D) Provides tutoring, academic support, and career
services at no cost to eligible students participating
in such program, and may reserve places in select
courses for such eligible students in order to create
community within cohorts of eligible students.
(E) Provides information to eligible students
participating in such program about the eligibility of
such students for assistance under the supplemental
nutrition assistance program under the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) and the
program of block grants for States for temporary
assistance for needy families established under part A
of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601
et seq.).
(2) Eligible student.--The term ``eligible student'' means
a student enrolled at an eligible institution who--
(A) on the date such eligible student would begin
participation in a community college student success
program at such eligible institution--
(i) is enrolled in a program of study
leading to an associate degree that prepares
students to transfer to a 4-year institution of
higher education or advance in the labor
market;
(ii) is carrying a full-time academic
workload during each Fall and Spring semester
(or equivalent terms) during which the student
participates in such program;
(iii) takes at least 20 degree-applicable,
non-remedial credits in a given academic year;
and
(iv) is--
(I) a first-time undergraduate
student; or
(II) a continuing or transfer
student with not more than 24 credits
and a minimum grade point average of
2.0 (or its equivalent);
(B) if the student is eligible for financial aid
under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1070 et seq.)--
(i) has completed the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid or other common financial
reporting form under section 483(a) of such Act
(20 U.S.C. 1090(a)); or
(ii) demonstrates eligibility for a Federal
Pell Grant through institutional financial aid
eligibility forms or State financial aid
eligibility forms; and
(C) meets any other requirements established by the
institution.
(3) Full-time academic workload.--The term ``full-time
academic workload'', when used with respect to a semester or
equivalent term, means at least 12 credits (or the equivalent).
SEC. 102. COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
From the amounts appropriated under section 110, the Secretary of
Education shall establish and carry out the community college student
success grant program to award grants under sections 103 and 104, on a
competitive basis, to eligible institutions to plan and implement
community college student success programs or to improve or expand
evidence-based comprehensive student success programs designed to
increase--
(1) the rate at which program participants from a program
of study at such eligible institution graduate within 150
percent of the normal time for graduation;
(2) transfer rates of program participants to 4-year
institutions; and
(3) the number of credits that a program participant takes
that can be applied to a degree in the participant's desired
major.
SEC. 103. GRANTS TO PLAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS.
(a) Planning Grants Authorized.--From the amounts appropriated to
carry out this section under section 109 for a fiscal year, the
Secretary shall award planning grants for such fiscal year, on a
competitive basis, to eligible institutions to develop plans for
community college student success programs.
(b) Duration.--A grant awarded under this section shall be for a 1-
year period.
(c) Peer Review Process; Priority.--In awarding grants under this
section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall--
(1) carry out a peer review process that--
(A) requires that each application submitted under
subsection (d) be peer reviewed by a panel of readers
composed of individuals selected by the Secretary,
which shall include--
(i) not less than 50 percent of readers--
(I) who are not employees of the
Federal Government; and
(II) who have relevant research or
practical experience with respect to
student support programs designed to
increase graduation rates and transfer
rates at public 2-year institutions of
higher education; and
(ii) to the maximum extent practicable,
individuals who are members of groups
underrepresented in higher education, including
African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans
(including American Indians, Alaska Natives,
and Native Hawaiians), Asian Americans, Pacific
Islanders, and individuals with disabilities in
a manner that reflects the national, State, or
local population demographics; and
(B) ensures that no individual assigned under
subparagraph (A) to review an application has any
conflict of interest with regard to that application
that may make the individual unable to impartially
conduct such review; and
(2) give priority to eligible institutions that are
eligible to receive funding under title III or V of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.; 20 U.S.C. 1101
et seq.).
(d) Application.--An eligible institution desiring a grant under
this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require, which shall include--
(1) the graduation rate, the number of credits completed
(disaggregated by remedial credits and college-level credits
for each program of study), the retention rate, and the
transfer rate for the most recent academic year for which data
are available for eligible students and all students,
disaggregated by race, income, and gender, respectively;
(2) an analysis of how implementing a community college
student success program may improve the graduation rate or
transfer rate for eligible students; and
(3) a description of the methods the eligible institution
has previously used to improve the graduation rate or transfer
rate with respect to eligible students and all students,
respectively.
(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible institution that receives a grant
under this section shall use the grant to develop a plan to implement a
community college student success program at the eligible institution.
(f) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which an
eligible institution receives a grant under this section, such eligible
institution shall submit to the Secretary a report that includes--
(1) a plan for implementing a community college student
success program at the eligible institution, including--
(A) the sufficiently ambitious outcome goals for
achieving significant improvements in graduation rates,
retention rates, and transfer rates for program
participants and all students, disaggregated by race,
income, and gender, respectively, before the end of the
grant period;
(B) the number of such eligible students who will
participate in such program in relation to the amount
of funding provided, including--
(i) how such eligible students will be
identified, referred, and selected in cases
where the interest in the program is larger
than the budget for the program;
(ii) a plan to ensure that the program is
racially and ethnically representative; and
(iii) a plan to ensure that economically
disadvantaged students receive priority;
(C) based on the most recent academic year for
which data are available, disaggregated by eligible
students and all students--
(i) graduation rates;
(ii) retention rates;
(iii) transfer rates; and
(iv) average number of credits earned,
including remedial and college-level credits,
by associate degree earners;
(D) an analysis of the financial needs of eligible
students based on the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid;
(E) a description of how the eligible institution
will--
(i) recruit and serve eligible students for
the community college student success program
in a manner that reflects the local or State
population; or
(ii) develop and implement a plan to
recruit and serve eligible students for such
program in a manner that reflects the local or
State population and demographics;
(F) a description of how the eligible institution
will--
(i) effectively staff a community college
student success program in a manner that
reflects the student population; or
(ii) develop and implement a plan to
effectively staff a community college student
success program in a manner that reflects the
local or State population and demographics; and
(G) a timeline for the implementation of such
program;
(2) a budgetary analysis that includes--
(A) a description of how the eligible institution
will provide non-Federal funds for such program under
section 104(d); and
(B) a description of how the eligible institution
will continue to fund such program after the end of the
grant period for the grant awarded to the institution
under section 104; and
(3) such other information as the Secretary may require.
SEC. 104. GRANTS TO IMPLEMENT, IMPROVE, OR EXPAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS.
(a) Implementation, Improvement, and Expansion Grants Authorized.--
(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated to carry out
this section under section 109 for a fiscal year, the Secretary
shall award grants for such fiscal year, on a competitive
basis--
(A) to eligible institutions awarded a grant under
section 103 to implement community college student
success programs; or
(B) to eligible institutions to improve or expand
an evidence-based comprehensive student success
program.
(2) Consultation.--In awarding grants under this section
for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall consult with the
independent evaluator before finalizing which eligible
institutions will receive such a grant for such fiscal year.
(b) Requirements for Selection.--To be eligible to receive a grant
under this section, an eligible institution shall meet the following
requirements:
(1) The eligible institution--
(A) was awarded a grant under section 103 at least
1 year before such eligible institution submits an
application under subsection (e); or
(B) the eligible institution, at the time of
application, implements an evidence-based comprehensive
student success program.
(2) The eligible institution submits an application under
subsection (e).
(3) The eligible institution demonstrates, on the date of
the application described in subsection (e), the availability
of non-Federal funding for the matching funds required under
subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of subsection (d)(1).
(c) Duration.--A grant awarded under this section shall be for a 5-
year period.
(d) Non-Federal Contribution.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an
eligible institution awarded a grant under this section shall
contribute in cash from non-Federal sources, the following:
(A) For the second year of the grant period, an
amount equal to 10 percent of the cost of carrying out
the community college student success program or the
cost to improve or expand the evidence-based
comprehensive student success program (as applicable)
at the institution for such year.
(B) For each of the third through fifth years of
the grant period, an amount equal to 20 percent of the
cost of carrying out the community college student
success program or the cost to improve or expand the
evidence-based comprehensive student success program
(as applicable) for the applicable year.
(2) Exception.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1),
with respect to an exempt institution awarded a grant
under this section, for each year of the grant period
beginning with the second year through the fifth year,
the Secretary shall not require the institution to make
a cash contribution from non-Federal sources in an
amount that is greater than the amount equal to 5
percent of the cost at the institution for such year of
carrying out--
(i) the community college student success
program; or
(ii) the evidence-based comprehensive
student success program.
(B) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph:
(i) Exempt institution.--The term ``exempt
institution'' means an eligible institution
that is--
(I) a Tribal college or university;
or
(II) an institution located in the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam,
American Samoa, the United States
Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic
of the Marshall Islands, the Federated
States of Micronesia, or the Republic
of Palau.
(ii) Tribal college or university.--The
term ``Tribal college or university'' has the
meaning given the term in section 316 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c).
(e) Application.--An eligible institution desiring a grant under
this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require, including--
(1) in the case of a community college student success
program, a copy of the report described in section 103(f); and
(2) in the case of an evidence-based comprehensive student
success program, a demonstration that the program meets the
criteria for receiving an expansion grant from the Education
Innovation and Research program, as determined by the
Department of Education.
(f) Required Use of Funds.--An eligible institution that receives a
grant under this section shall use the grant funds to--
(1)(A) implement a community college student success
program; or
(B) improve or expand an evidence-based comprehensive
student success program; and
(2) regularly review--
(A) data to monitor the academic progress of
eligible students participating in the program; and
(B) in the case of a community college student
success program, the meeting and program participation
requirements described in section 101(1).
(g) Permissible Use of Funds.--An eligible institution that
receives a grant under this section may use the grant to--
(1) establish or expand a data tracking system that
includes early alerts to complete the regular reviews required
under subsection (f)(2);
(2) provide eligible students participating in the program
for which the grant is awarded with financial assistance to
cover wraparound support services to meet the whole cost of
attendance, including books, supplies, miscellaneous personal
expenses, technology, transportation, or room and board costs
and childcare in accordance with section 472 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll);
(3) establish or expand career development services for
such students, such as career workshops or career counseling;
(4) establish or expand tutoring and academic support
services for such students;
(5) cover the costs of employment of administrators for the
program whose sole job shall be to administer the program,
without regard to whether the employment is full-time or less
than full-time; or
(6) provide financial support for eligible students
participating in such program to enroll in courses offered
during enrollment periods that are outside the fall and spring
semesters (or equivalent terms).
(h) Reports.--
(1) In general.--Using the postsecondary student data
system established under section 132(1) or a successor system
(whichever includes the most recent data) to streamline
reporting requirements and minimize reporting burdens, and in
coordination with the National Center for Education Statistics,
the Secretary shall, on at least an annual basis, collect data
with respect to each community college student success program
and evidence-based comprehensive student success program
receiving funding under this section, including the data
described in paragraph (2).
(2) Data submitted by eligible institutions.--Each eligible
institution that receives a grant under this title shall
provide the following to the Secretary:
(A) On an annual basis, such information as may be
necessary for the Secretary to collect data about--
(i) the demographic characteristics of the
eligible students participating in the program
and how these demographics compare to State or
local populations and efforts to bridge equity
gaps;
(ii) the average number of credits
attempted and average number of credits earned,
rate of retention, rate of degree completion,
and transfer rates of such eligible students,
disaggregated by race, income, and gender;
(iii) the graduation rate of such eligible
students; and
(iv) post-graduate outcomes, such as
employment and earnings.
(B) An annual performance report for each year of
the grant period that includes--
(i) an analysis of the implementation and
progress of such program based on the ambitious
outcome goals described in the report submitted
by the institution under section 103(f)(1)(A),
including challenges to and changes made to
such program;
(ii) if according to the analysis under
subparagraph (A), the program is not on track
to meet such ambitious outcome goals, a
description of the plans to adjust the program
to improve the performance of the program;
(iii) the participation of such eligible
students in tutoring, academic support, career
services, and meetings with program advisors;
and
(iv) when data is available, information
that will allow for a comparison of the data
collected for such year under this subparagraph
with such data collected for each of the 2
years preceding the date on which the grant was
awarded.
(C) Not later than 6 years after the date on which
the eligible institution received such grant, a final
report to the Secretary that includes an analysis of--
(i) the factors that contributed to the
success or failure of the program in meeting
the ambitious outcome goals described in the
report submitted by the institution under
section 103(f)(1)(A), as applicable;
(ii) the challenges faced in attempting to
implement such program;
(iii) information on how to improve such
program;
(iv) whether the program has created an
institution-wide reform with respect to
graduate rates and transfer rates for all
students, and if so, how such reform was
created; and
(v) how the eligible institution will
continue to fund such program after the end of
the grant period.
SEC. 105. EVALUATIONS.
(a) Independent Evaluations.--Before finalizing which eligible
institutions will receive grants under section 104 for a fiscal year,
the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Institute of
Education Sciences, shall enter into a contract with an independent
evaluator--
(1) to consult with the Secretary on which eligible
institutions should receive the grants; and
(2) to use the What Works Clearinghouse Standards (without
reservations) to evaluate, throughout the duration of the grant
period of such grants--
(A) each program for which such grant is awarded,
including whether the program met its ambitious outcome
goals described in the report submitted by the
institution under section 103(f)(1)(A), as applicable;
(B) the average impact of those programs on
graduation rates, the average number of credits per
associate degree awarded, and transfer rates for
eligible students;
(C) the variation in program impacts across
eligible institutions with respect to such rates; and
(D) whether those programs are cost effective in
creating higher graduation rates and transfer rates of
participating eligible students compared with such
rates among students who did not participate in
programs at eligible institutions.
(b) Results of Evaluations.--The results of the evaluations under
subsection (a) shall be made publicly available on the website of the
Department of Education.
(c) Funding for Evaluations.--The Secretary may reserve not more
than 15 percent of the funds appropriated under section 109 for a
fiscal year to carry out this section for such fiscal year.
SEC. 106. OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Outreach.--The Secretary shall conduct outreach activities to
notify eligible institutions of the availability of grants under this
title.
(b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide technical
assistance--
(1) to eligible institutions that may be interested in
applying for grants under this title, including assistance with
applications for such grants; and
(2) to eligible institutions awarded grants under this
title, including assistance with--
(A) establishing ambitious outcome goals described
in section 103(f)(1)(A), as applicable;
(B) disaggregating data and goals by race, income,
and gender; and
(C) the design and implementation of a program,
including the use of real-time data to track student
progress.
(c) Consultation.--The Secretary may consult with institutions of
higher education or nonprofit organizations that operate evidence-based
comprehensive student success programs to provide technical assistance
to eligible institutions.
(d) Publicly Available Information.--The Secretary shall compile
and make publicly available information about research, best practices,
and strategies relating to programs under this title.
(e) Funding for Technical Assistance for Evaluations.--The
Secretary may reserve not more than 7 percent of the funds appropriated
under section 109 for a fiscal year for technical assistance under this
section for such fiscal year.
SEC. 107. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary
receives the final evaluation results under section 105 for eligible
institutions that were awarded grants under section 104 for the same
fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that
includes--
(1) the number of grants awarded under section 104 for such
fiscal year, and the amount of such grants;
(2) the number of grants awarded under section 103 to
eligible institutions that received or would have been eligible
for the grants described in paragraph (1), and the amount of
such grants;
(3) the number of grants awarded under section 103 to
eligible institutions that would have been eligible, but did
not receive the grants described in paragraph (1);
(4) such final evaluation results; and
(5) any other information the Secretary may determine is
relevant.
SEC. 108. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Student Financial Assistance.--Any funds received under this
title by an eligible institution that are distributed to a student--
(1) shall be credited to student's account only after all
other Federal, State, and institutional grants for which that
student is eligible are credited to that student's account; and
(2) shall not affect a student's eligibility for other
Federal grants for which the student is eligible.
(b) Cost of Attendance Limit.--An eligible institution receiving
funds under this title shall ensure that in distributing any such funds
to a student, the amount of such funding does not exceed the cost of
attendance as described in section 472 of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll).
SEC. 109. SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT.
Funds made available under this title shall be used to supplement
and not supplant other Federal, State, and local funds available to the
institution for carrying out the activities described in this title.
SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$10,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2032, to be available
until expended.
TITLE II--PART TIME COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAM
SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Part time community college student success program.--
The term ``part time community college student success
program'' means a program carried out by an eligible
institution under which the eligible institution carries out
the following:
(A) Provides students participating in such program
with an amount that covers the cost of tuition and fees
that are not covered by any Federal, State, or
institutional financial assistance received by the
student.
(B) Requires students participating in such program
to--
(i) be enrolled in not less than 9 credits
and not more than 12 credits at the eligible
institution as a degree-seeking student during
each fall and spring semester (or equivalent
terms) during which the student participates in
such program;
(ii) if the student is referred to remedial
or corequisite courses or on academic
probation, meet, not less than on a weekly
basis, with a tutor or appropriate academic
support, except that in the case of a student
who is academically struggling, but who is not
referred to remedial courses or on academic
probation, the student may meet with a tutor as
often as the program advisor for such student
requires;
(iii) meet with a program advisor--
(I) twice each month during the
first semester (or equivalent term) of
participation in such program; and
(II) as directed by the program
advisor in subsequent semesters (or
equivalent terms) under subparagraph
(C)(ii); and
(iv) meet with a career advisor or
participate in a career services event not less
than once each semester (or equivalent term).
(C) Provides a program advisor to each student
participating in such program who--
(i) provides comprehensive academic,
career, and personal advising to the student,
such as--
(I) the creation and implementation
of an academic plan for the student to
graduate from a program of study at the
eligible institution within 150 percent
of the normal time for graduation from
such program;
(II) if an eligible student is
referred to remedial or corequisite
courses, taking steps to enable the
student to complete college mathematics
and English within the first 30 credit
hours; and
(III) assisting the student with
developing and achieving academic
goals, including creating strong
transfer pathways that demonstrate
programmatic transfer for students
interested in transferring to a 4-year
institution of higher education;
(ii) after the student participating in
such program completes a semester (or
equivalent term), creates for the student a
needs-based advising schedule that indicates,
based on the student's academic performance,
the frequency with which such student shall be
required to meet with a program advisor for
each subsequent semester (or equivalent term)
of program participation;
(iii) has a caseload of not more than 125
students;
(iv) tracks the attendance of the student
at the meetings described in clauses (ii),
(iii), and (iv) of subparagraph (B);
(v) monitors the academic progress of the
student; and
(vi) provides each student who meets the
requirements of subparagraph (B), on not more
than a monthly basis, with financial incentives
support that will enhance student success.
(D) Provides tutoring, academic support, and career
services at no cost to students participating in such
program, and may reserve places in select courses for
such students in order to create community within
cohorts of students.
(E) Provides information to eligible students
participating in such program about the eligibility of
such students for assistance under the supplemental
nutrition assistance program under the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) and the
program of block grants for States for temporary
assistance for needy families established under part A
of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601
et seq.).
(2) Eligible student.--The term ``eligible student'' means
a student enrolled at an eligible institution who--
(A) on the date such eligible student would begin
participation in a part time community college student
success program at such eligible institution--
(i) is enrolled in a program of study
leading to an associate degree that prepares
students to transfer to a 4-year institution of
higher education or advance in the labor
market; and
(ii) is--
(I) a first-time undergraduate
student; or
(II) a continuing or transfer
student with not more than 24 credits
and a minimum grade point average of
2.0 (or its equivalent);
(B) completes not less than 24 credits, at least 20
of which must be degree-applicable, at the eligible
institution as a degree-seeking student during each
academic year during which the student participates in
the part time community college student success
program;
(C) if the student is eligible for financial aid
under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1070 et seq.)--
(i) has completed the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid or other common financial
reporting form under section 483(a) of such Act
(20 U.S.C. 1090(a)); or
(ii) demonstrates eligibility for a Federal
Pell Grant through institutional financial aid
eligibility forms or State financial aid
eligibility forms; and
(D) meets any other requirements established by the
institution.
(3) Minority-serving institution.--The term ``minority-
serving institution'' means an institution described in section
371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1067q(a)).
SEC. 202. PART TIME COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS GRANT PROGRAM
AUTHORIZED.
From the amounts appropriated under section 209, the Secretary of
Education shall establish and carry out the part time community college
student success grant program to award grants under sections 203 and
204, on a competitive basis, to eligible institutions to plan and
implement part time community college student success programs and to
improve or expand part-time evidence-based comprehensive student
success programs for eligible students that are designed to increase--
(1) the rate at which program participants graduate from a
program of study at such eligible institution within 150
percent of the normal time for graduation;
(2) transfer rates of program participants; and
(3) the number of credits that a program participant takes
that apply to a degree in the participant's desired major.
SEC. 203. GRANTS TO PLAN PART TIME COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS
PROGRAMS.
(a) Planning Grants Authorized.--From the amounts appropriated to
carry out this section under section 209 for a fiscal year, the
Secretary shall award planning grants for such fiscal year, on a
competitive basis, to eligible institutions to develop plans for part
time community college student success programs.
(b) Duration.--A grant awarded under this section shall be for a 1-
year period.
(c) Peer Review Process; Priority.--In awarding grants under this
section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall--
(1) carry out a peer review process that--
(A) requires that each application submitted under
subsection (d) be peer reviewed by a panel of readers
composed of individuals selected by the Secretary,
which shall include--
(i) not less than 50 percent of readers--
(I) who are not employees of the
Federal Government; and
(II) who have relevant research or
practical experience with respect to
student support programs designed to
increase graduation rates and transfer
rates at public 2-year institutions of
higher education; and
(ii) to the maximum extent practicable,
individuals who are members of groups
underrepresented in higher education, including
African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans
(including American Indians, Alaska Natives,
and Native Hawaiians), Asian Americans, Pacific
Islanders, and individuals with disabilities;
and
(B) ensures that no individual assigned under
subparagraph (A) to review an application has any
conflict of interest with regard to that application
that may make the individual unable to impartially
conduct such review; and
(2) give priority to eligible institutions that are
eligible to receive funding under title III or V of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.; 20 U.S.C. 1101
et seq.).
(d) Application.--An eligible institution desiring a grant under
this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require, which shall include--
(1) the graduation rate, the number of credits completed
(disaggregated by remedial credits and college-level credits
for each program of study), and the transfer rate for the most
recent academic year for which data are available for eligible
students and all students, respectively;
(2) an analysis of how implementing a community college
student success program may improve the graduation rate or
transfer rate for eligible students; and
(3) a description of the methods the eligible institution
has previously used to improve the graduation rate or transfer
rate with respect to eligible students and all students,
respectively.
(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible institution that receives a grant
under this section shall use the grant to develop a plan to implement a
part time community college student success program at the eligible
institution for eligible students.
(f) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which an
eligible institution receives a grant under this section, such eligible
institution shall submit to the Secretary a report that includes--
(1) a plan for implementing a community college student
success program at the eligible institution, including--
(A) the sufficiently ambitious outcome goals for
achieving significant improvements in graduation rates
and transfer rates for program participants and all
students, respectively, as such rates are defined by
the eligible institution, in consultation with the
Secretary, before the end of the grant period;
(B) the number of such eligible students who will
participate in such program, including--
(i) how such eligible students will be
identified, referred, and selected, in cases
where the interest in the program is larger
than the budget for the program; and
(ii) a plan to ensure that economically
disadvantaged students receive priority;
(C) based on the most recent academic year for
which data are available, disaggregated by eligible
students and all students--
(i) graduation rates;
(ii) transfer rates; and
(iii) average number of credits earned,
including remedial and college-level credits,
by associate degree earners;
(D) an analysis of the financial needs of eligible
students based on the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid;
(E) a description of how the eligible institution
will--
(i) recruit and serve eligible students for
the community college student success program
in a manner that reflects the local or State
population; or
(ii) develop and implement a plan to
recruit and serve eligible students for such
program in a manner that reflects the local or
State population and demographics;
(F) a description of how the eligible institution
will--
(i) effectively staff a community college
student success program in a manner that
reflects the student population; or
(ii) develop and implement a plan to
effectively staff a community college student
success program in a manner that reflects the
local or State population and demographics; and
(G) a timeline for the implementation of such
program;
(2) a budgetary analysis that includes--
(A) a description of how the eligible institution
will provide non-Federal funds for such program under
section 204(d); and
(B) a description of how the eligible institution
will continue to fund such program after the end of the
grant period for the grant awarded to the institution
under section 204; and
(3) such other information as the Secretary may require.
SEC. 204. GRANTS TO IMPLEMENT, IMPROVE, OR EXPAND PART TIME COMMUNITY
COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS.
(a) Implementation, Improvement, and Expansion Grants Authorized.--
(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated to carry out
this section under section 209 for a fiscal year, the Secretary
shall award grants for such fiscal year, on a competitive
basis--
(A) to eligible institutions awarded a grant under
section 203 to implement part time community college
student success programs; or
(B) to eligible institutions to improve or expand a
part time evidence-based comprehensive student success
program.
(2) Consultation.--In awarding grants under this section
for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall consult with the
independent evaluator described in section 205(a) before
finalizing which eligible institutions will receive such a
grant for such fiscal year.
(b) Requirements for Selection.--To be eligible to receive a grant
under this section, an eligible institution shall meet the following
requirements:
(1) The eligible institution--
(A) was awarded a grant under section 203 not less
than 1 year before such eligible institution submits an
application under subsection (e); or
(B) the eligible institution, at the time of
application, implements a part time evidence-based
comprehensive student success program.
(2) The eligible institution submits an application under
subsection (e).
(3) The eligible institution demonstrates, on the date of
the application described in subsection (e), the availability
of non-Federal funding for the matching funds required under
subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of subsection (d)(1).
(c) Duration.--A grant awarded under this section shall be for a 5-
year period.
(d) Non-Federal Contribution.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an
eligible institution awarded a grant under this section shall
contribute in cash from non-Federal sources the following:
(A) For the second year of the grant period, an
amount equal to 10 percent of the cost of carrying out
the part time community college student success program
or the cost to improve or expand the part time
evidence-based comprehensive student success program
(as applicable) for eligible students at the
institution for such year.
(B) For each of the third year through fifth years
of the grant period, an amount equal to 20 percent of
the cost of carrying out the community college student
success program or the cost to improve or expand the
part time evidence-based comprehensive student success
program (as applicable) for the applicable year.
(2) Exception.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding (1), with respect
to an exempt institution awarded a grant under this
section, for each year of the grant period beginning
with the second year through the fifth year, the
Secretary shall not require the institution to make a
cash contribution from non-Federal sources in an amount
that is greater than the amount equal to 5 percent of
the cost at the institution for such year of carrying
out--
(i) the part time community college student
success program; or
(ii) the part time evidence-based
comprehensive student success program.
(B) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph:
(i) Exempt institution.--The term ``exempt
institution'' means an eligible institution
that is--
(I) a Tribal College or University;
or
(II) an institution located in the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam,
American Samoa, the United States
Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic
of the Marshall Islands, the Federated
States of Micronesia, or the Republic
of Palau.
(ii) Tribal college or university.--The
term ``Tribal College or University'' has the
meaning given the term in section 316 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c).
(e) Application.--An eligible institution desiring a grant under
this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require, including--
(1) in the case of a part time community college student
success program, a copy of the report described in section
203(f); and
(2) in the case of a part time evidence-based comprehensive
student success program, a demonstration that the program meets
the criteria for receiving an expansion grant from the
Education Innovation and Research program, as determined by the
Department of Education.
(f) Required Use of Funds.--An eligible institution that receives a
grant under this section shall use the grant funds to--
(1)(A) implement a part time community college student
success program; or
(B) improve or expand a part time evidence-based
comprehensive student success program; and
(2) regularly review--
(A) data to monitor the academic progress of
eligible students participating in such program; and
(B) the meeting and program participation
requirements described in section 201(1), as
applicable.
(g) Permissible Use of Funds.--An eligible institution that
receives a grant under this section may use the grant to--
(1) establish or expand a data tracking system that
includes early alerts to complete the regular reviews required
under subsection (f)(2), as applicable;
(2) provide eligible students participating in the part
time program for which the grant is awarded with financial
assistance to cover the costs described in paragraph (2), (3),
or (8) of section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1087ll);
(3) establish or expand career development services for
such eligible students, such as career workshops or career
counseling;
(4) establish or expand tutoring and academic support
services for such eligible students;
(5) cover the costs of employment of administrators for the
program whose sole job shall be to administer the program,
without regard to whether the employment is full-time or less
than full-time; and
(6) provide financial support for such eligible students
participating in such program to enroll in courses offered
during enrollment periods that are outside the fall and spring
semesters (or equivalent terms).
(h) Reports.--
(1) In general.--Using the postsecondary student data
system established under section 132(1) or a successor system
(whichever includes the most recent data) to streamline
reporting requirements and minimize reporting burdens, and in
coordination with the National Center for Education Statistics,
the Secretary shall, on at least an annual basis, collect data
with respect to each part time community college student
success program and each part time evidence-based comprehensive
student success program, including the data described in
paragraph (2).
(2) Data submitted by eligible institutions.--Each eligible
institution that receives a grant under this title shall
provide the following to the Secretary:
(A) On an annual basis, such information as may be
necessary for the Secretary to collect data about--
(i) the demographic characteristics of the
eligible students participating in the part
time program;
(ii) the average number of credits
attempted and average number of credits earned,
rate of retention, rate of degree completion,
and transfer rates of such eligible students;
and
(iii) the graduation rate of such eligible
students.
(B) An annual performance report for each year of
the grant period that includes--
(i) an analysis of the implementation and
progress of such program based on the ambitious
outcome goals described in the report submitted
by the institution under section 203(f)(1)(A),
as applicable, including challenges to and
changes made to such program;
(ii) if according to the analysis under
subparagraph (A), the program is not on track
to meet such ambitious outcome goals, a
description of the plans to adjust the program
to improve the performance of the program;
(iii) the participation of such eligible
students in tutoring, academic support, career
services, and meetings with program advisors;
and
(iv) when data is available, information
that will allow for a comparison of the data
collected for such year under this subparagraph
with such data collected for each of the 2
years preceding the date on which the grant was
awarded.
(C) Not later than 6 years after the date on which
the eligible institution received such grant, a final
report to the Secretary that includes an analysis of--
(i) the factors that contributed to the
success or failure of the program in meeting
the ambitious outcome goals described in the
report submitted by the institution under
section 203(f)(1)(A), as applicable;
(ii) the challenges faced in attempting to
implement such program;
(iii) information on how to improve such
program;
(iv) whether the program has created an
institution-wide reform with respect to
graduate rates and transfer rates for all
students, and if so, how such reform was
created; and
(v) how the eligible institution will
continue to fund such program after the end of
the grant period.
SEC. 205. EVALUATIONS.
(a) Independent Evaluations.--Before finalizing which eligible
institutions will receive grants under section 204 for a fiscal year,
the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Institute of
Education Sciences, shall enter into a contract with an independent
evaluator--
(1) to consult with the Secretary on which eligible
institutions should receive the grants; and
(2) to use the What Works Clearinghouse Standards (without
reservations) to evaluate, throughout the duration of the grant
period of such grants--
(A) each part time program for eligible students
for which such grant is awarded, including whether the
program met its ambitious outcome goals described in
the report submitted by the institution under section
203(f)(1)(A), as applicable;
(B) the average impact of part time programs on
graduation rates, the average number of credits per
associate degree awarded, and transfer rates for
eligible students;
(C) the variation in program impacts across
eligible institutions with respect to such rates; and
(D) whether such programs lead to higher graduation
rates and transfer rates of eligible students per
dollar spent for such students by such institutions
compared with such rates among students who did not
participate in part time programs at eligible
institutions.
(b) Results of Evaluations.--The results of the evaluations under
subsection (a) shall be made publicly available on the website of the
Department of Education.
(c) Funding for Evaluations.--The Secretary may reserve not more
than 15 percent of the funds appropriated under section 209 for a
fiscal year to carry out this section for such fiscal year.
SEC. 206. OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Outreach.--The Secretary shall conduct outreach activities to
notify eligible institutions of the availability of grants under this
title.
(b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide technical
assistance--
(1) to eligible institutions that may be interested in
applying for grants under this title, including assistance with
applications for such grants; and
(2) to eligible institutions awarded grants under this
title, including assistance with--
(A) establishing ambitious outcome goals described
in section 203(f)(1)(A); and
(B) the design and implementation of a part time
community college student success program, including
the use of real-time data to track student progress.
(c) Consultation.--The Secretary may consult with institutions of
higher education or nonprofit organizations that operate part time
evidence-based comprehensive student success programs to provide
technical assistance to eligible institutions.
(d) Publicly Available Information.--The Secretary shall compile
and make publicly available information about research, best practices,
and strategies relating to part time programs under this title.
(e) Funding for Technical Assistance for Evaluations.--The
Secretary may reserve not more than 7 percent of the funds appropriated
under section 209 for a fiscal year for technical assistance under this
section for such fiscal year.
SEC. 207. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary
receives the final evaluation results under section 205 for eligible
institutions that were awarded grants under section 204 for the same
fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that
includes--
(1) the number of grants awarded under section 204 for such
fiscal year, and the amount of such grants;
(2) the number of grants awarded under section 203 to
eligible institutions that received or would have been eligible
for the grants described in paragraph (1), and the amount of
such grants;
(3) the number of grants awarded under section 203 to
eligible institutions that would have been eligible but did not
receive the grants described in paragraph (1);
(4) such final evaluation results; and
(5) any other information the Secretary may determine is
relevant.
SEC. 208. SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUPPLANT.
Funds awarded to an eligible institution under this title shall be
used only to supplement the amount of funds that would, in the absence
of the Federal funds provided under this title, be made available from
non-Federal sources or other Federal sources to carry out the
activities under this title, and not to supplant such funds.
SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$5,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2032, to be available
until expended.
<all>