SB 5843 - DIGEST

Finds that: (1) Many high school students who wish to earn college credits are unable to participate in the running start program because they live in areas that do not have local colleges; and some students who would like to earn college credits while in high school do not participate in running start because they do not want to leave their high school campus in order to do so.

(2) Some high schools are currently working with colleges to offer dual credit courses on high school campuses to serve those students. However, there is no established statewide program or funding provided, so rules governing these programs vary and high school students pay varying amounts to cover the colleges' costs of working with high schools to offer the classes.

Declares an intent to establish the college in the high school program as a statewide option for high school students.

Requires the superintendent of public instruction, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the higher education coordinating board to jointly develop and adopt rules governing the college in the high school program. The rules shall be written to encourage the maximum use of the program and shall not narrow or limit the enrollment options.