SB 45 will help college students, boost state's workforce

Senior policy analyst Frank Waterous, the Bell's specialist on education, testified on Thursday in favor of a bill that will help many college students be awarded associate's degrees. This will increase their earnings potential and, at the same time, help the state produce a strong, vibrant and well-qualified workforce.

Senate Bill 45 would allow students who start at two-year institutions to be awarded associate's degrees based on additional credits completed after they have transferred to four-year institutions.

Waterous' testimony said, in part:

"Whether a student is continuing to make progress toward a bachelor's degree or has decided for whatever reason to leave school before receiving a four-year credential, having an associate's degree in hand increases the student's earning potential and employment opportunities. Simply put, research reveals that in today's world, credentials matter. ...

"SB 045 benefits the state by helping us to address our workforce-development needs and goals. A vital and growing component of our state's labor market is made up of "middle-skill" jobs - that is, well-paying jobs that require post-secondary education and credentials beyond a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree. ...

"And in the end, of course, strengthening the quality of Colorado's workforce by helping more students succeed has broader implications for all of us. As the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation has observed, "Educational attainment is the single-most important element in job and income growth," and is one of the chief underpinnings of a strong economy."

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate Education Committee.

Click here to read the full testimony.