Colorado establishes higher education designation framework recognizing institutional excellence and student success

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) applauds the passage of Colorado House Bill 26-1006, the Thriving Institution Designations for Higher Education Act, establishing a statewide framework to recognize institutions that demonstrate strong student outcomes.

The legislation directs the Colorado Department of Higher Education to establish a formal Thriving Institution Designation process and convene an advisory committee to develop outcome measures, recognition standards, and continuous improvement criteria. Beginning in 2027, institutions that meet the state's standards will be eligible to receive an official designation and public recognition.

Colorado's HB 26-1006 represents an important step toward recognizing institutions that are advancing student success and strengthening the workforce pipeline," said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. "By establishing a formal framework, Colorado is acknowledging the critical contributions these institutions make to the state's economic future."

Colorado Mountain College, a HACU-member Institution and Hispanic-Serving Institution, partnered with Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Matthew Martinez, Senator Dylan Roberts, and a coalition of Colorado higher education and community partners to help shape, advance, and secure passage of HB26-1006. The legislation creates statewide designations recognizing institutional performance in student success, workforce readiness, and economic mobility for a wide range of student communities.

Colorado's enactment of HB 26-1006 demonstrates how states can establish policy frameworks that recognize institutional contributions while advancing broader workforce and economic priorities.

Additional information on HB 26-1006 can be found here: HB 26-1006: Thriving Institution Designations for Higher Education Act