Title: Community College Student Success Act of 2020
Policy area: Education

Summary:
Community College Student Success Act of 2020
This bill establishes two grant programs for public two-year institutions of higher education (IHEs) to plan and implement programs that are designed to increase the rate at which their students graduate, the rate at which their students transfer to a four-year IHE, and the number of credits that students apply to a degree in their major.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 5029 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






116th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 5029

  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 transfer and graduation rates at 
              community colleges, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           December 16, 2020

 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 transfer and graduation rates 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 2020''.

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 community college student success 
                            programs.
Sec. 105. Evaluations.
Sec. 106. Outreach and technical assistance.
Sec. 107. Report to Congress.
Sec. 108. Supplement, not supplant.
Sec. 109. 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 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 public 2-year institution of higher 
        education.
            (2) 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).
            (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Education.
            (4) 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 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 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 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 300 
                        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 15 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.), 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)); 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 109, 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 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; and
            (3) the number of credits that a program participant takes 
        that apply 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, 
                        Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, and Native 
                        American Pacific Islanders (including Native 
                        Hawaiians), 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 
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 
                and transfer rates for program participants and all 
                students, 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; 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 effectively staff a community college student 
                success program; and
                    (F) 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 COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS 
              PROGRAMS.

    (a) Implementation 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, to eligible institutions awarded a grant under section 
        103 to implement community college student success programs.
            (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 was awarded a grant under 
        section 103 at least 1 year before such eligible institution 
        submits an application under subsection (e).
            (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 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 such program 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 of carrying out the community 
                college student success program at the institution for 
                such year.
                    (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, which shall include a copy of the report described in section 
103(f).
    (f) Required Use of Funds.--An eligible institution that receives a 
grant under this section shall use the grant funds to--
            (1) implement a community college 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 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 
        community college student success 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 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; and
            (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, 
        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 
                        community college student success 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 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 community college 
                        student success program in meeting the 
                        ambitious outcome goals described in the report 
                        submitted by the institution under section 
                        103(f)(1)(A);
                            (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 community college student success 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);
                    (B) the average impact of community college student 
                success 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 are cost effective in 
                creating higher graduation rates and transfer rates of 
                participating eligible students compared with such 
                rates at eligible institutions without such programs.
    (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); and
                    (B) the implementation of a community college 
                student success program.
    (c) 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. 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. 109. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title 
$10,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2021 through 2031, 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 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 300 
                        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 less 
                        than a monthly basis, with financial 
                        incentives, such as a transportation pass, a 
                        gas card, or a grocery card.
                    (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 15 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.), 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)); 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 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, 
                        Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, and Native 
                        American Pacific Islanders (including Native 
                        Hawaiians), 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 effectively staff a community college student 
                success program; and
                    (F) 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 PART TIME COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT 
              SUCCESS PROGRAMS.

    (a) Implementation 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, to eligible institutions awarded a grant under section 
        203 to implement part time community college student success 
        programs.
            (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 was awarded a grant under 
        section 203 not less than 1 year before such eligible 
        institution submits an application under subsection (e).
            (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 
                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 such program 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 of carrying out the part time community 
                college student success program at the institution for 
                such year.
                    (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, which shall include a copy of the report described in section 
203(f).
    (f) Required Use of Funds.--An eligible institution that receives a 
grant under this section shall use the grant funds to--
            (1) implement a part time community college 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).
    (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 part 
        time community college student success 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 community college 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 community college student success 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), 
                        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 community college 
                        student success program in meeting the 
                        ambitious outcome goals described in the report 
                        submitted by the institution under section 
                        203(f)(1)(A);
                            (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 community college student 
                success 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);
                    (B) the average impact of part time community 
                college student success 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 at eligible institutions 
                without such programs.
    (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 implementation of a part time community 
                college student success program.
    (c) 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 2021 through 2031, to be available 
until expended.
                                 <all>