Thriving Institution Designations (HB26-1006)
Note: Information on this page is subject to change as the Department implements HB26-1006. Last updated July 30, 2026.
Latest Update: July 30, 2026
- Committee membership application open through August 27, 2026
- Advisory Committee on Thriving Institution Outcomes seat categories posted below
- First Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for November 2026
About Thriving Institution Designations
House Bill 26-1006 was signed into law and takes effect August 12, 2026. It directs the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE, or the Department) to establish thriving institution designations on or before December 31, 2027, recognizing public institutions of higher education that demonstrate strong performance for historically underserved student populations, including Hispanic or Latino students, first-generation students, students with low incomes, adult learners, transfer students, and students attending colleges and universities in rural areas.
The bill summary states that the Department, with input from an advisory committee, must identify institutions that meet outcome and recognition standards, notify eligible institutions and request a response within ten calendar days, post designated institutions on the Department's website, and notify the General Assembly of institutions that earn a designation. A designation does not create an entitlement to state funding.
On or before January 1, 2027, the Department will convene an Advisory Committee on Thriving Institution Outcomes to provide input on the outcome standards, recognition standards, and continuous improvement approach used to inform designations. The Advisory Committee does not select institutions; that responsibility sits with the Department.
Advisory Committee on Thriving Institution Outcomes
The Advisory Committee consists of sixteen members across fifteen statutory categories (23-1-144(5)(b), C.R.S.), each appointed by the CDHE Executive Director. One appointee may satisfy multiple categories, and members may also serve on another council, commission, or stakeholder group. Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses.
Statutory Seat Categories
- A representative from a four-year university
- A representative from a community college
- A representative from a local district college
- A representative from a rural campus
- A representative from an institution that received a Hispanic-Serving Institution designation from the U.S. Department of Education on or before December 31, 2025
- A representative from an institution that received a First Generation-Serving Institution designation from CDHE on or before December 31, 2025
- A representative from an institution that received a Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institution designation from the U.S. Department of Education on or before December 31, 2025
- A representative from an institution with a Pell-eligible undergraduate population greater than the statewide average (as verified by CDHE data)
- A representative from an institution with a population of adult learners and transfer students greater than the statewide average (as verified by CDHE data)
- A representative from the Colorado business community with experience in workforce development or employer engagement
- Two individuals with research expertise in higher education or a closely related discipline
- A student currently enrolled at an institution of higher education
- A representative from an organization that provides program oversight and policy guidance for workforce development programs
- A student success representative with demonstrated experience in student affairs
- An individual with expertise in lawful data use and privacy compliance
- Committee Membership Application
CDHE is accepting applications for the sixteen Advisory Committee seats described above. Institution employees will not be considered without both manager and institution president/CEO approval. Student applicants will not be considered without both faculty and provost approval; if chosen, CDHE will notify the institution president.
Application Opens Application Deadline Roster Confirmed August 13, 2026 August 27, 2026 Late September 2026 Download the Committee Membership Application (Word document)
Completed applications should be submitted to equity.office@dhe.state.co.us. Questions may be directed to the same address.
- Advisory Committee Meeting Information
Following Colorado open meeting law requirements, meetings will be posted here as they are scheduled, including a public Zoom link, agenda, and meeting recording where applicable. All meetings links will be posted at least 24 hours before they begin.
2026-2027 Scheduled Meetings
Meeting Agendas Location & Recordings October 2026 Agenda will be posted prior to meeting Zoom link (TBD) November 2026 Agenda will be posted prior to meeting Zoom link (TBD) February 2027 Agenda will be posted prior to meeting Zoom link (TBD) March 2027 Agenda will be posted prior to meeting Zoom link (TBD) April 2027 (if necessary) Agenda will be posted prior to meeting Zoom link (TBD) - Communications and Documentation
Date Description Link August 2026 Call for Applications, Advisory Committee membership Document September 2026 Roster confirmation Document October 2026 Meeting 1 agenda and materials Document
Questions and Feedback
For questions about the Advisory Committee or the application process, contact the CDHE Educational Equity, Workforce and Social Mobility (EEWSM) office at equity.office@dhe.state.co.us.
The Department and Advisory Committee intentionally work to make this site and posted materials accessible. If additional support is needed, contact accessibility@dhe.state.co.us.