CREATE Graduates Act Correctly Recognizing Educational Achievements To Empower Graduates Act
The bill mandates that states implement strategies for outreach to students within 12 credits of graduating, conduct degree audits for eligible individuals, and form partnerships between 2-year and 4-year institutions. Additionally, it requires that at least 80% of grant funds be allocated as subgrants to higher education institutions for the implementation of these initiatives. This could significantly influence state laws regarding education funding and completion rates, ultimately leading to improved graduation statistics at the state level.
SB5191, entitled the 'Correctly Recognizing Educational Achievements To Empower Graduates Act' or 'CREATE Graduates Act', is designed to improve degree attainment in higher education. The bill proposes awarding grants to states to support institutions of higher education in retroactively conferring associate degrees to students who have completed sufficient credits but did not receive their degrees. This initiative aims to bridge gaps for students who have nearly completed their education, encouraging them to obtain their credentials and improve their overall educational outcomes.
Although the bill has the overarching goal of increasing educational outcomes, there are likely discussions surrounding the feasibility of implementing such outreach programs and degree audits effectively. Concerns may arise regarding the additional administrative burden placed on educational institutions and the potential challenges of coordinating these efforts across diverse educational landscapes. Furthermore, ensuring data privacy while sharing educational records for degree audits could also be a contentious issue among lawmakers and educational stakeholders.