Connecticut law directs how college scholarship money is divided

The Office of Higher Education makes college aid available through the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program. Aid covers eligible educational costs for eligible students at Connecticut public and independent colleges. Aid depends on available funds. Grants based on both need and merit receive at least 20% and no more than 30% of available funds, or $10 million, whichever is greater. Grants based on need receive up to 80% of available funds. The allowance for running the program is 0.25% of available funds, but at least $100,000 each year. The scholarship provision took effect July 1, 2026, and calls for aid each year.

The Board of Regents for Higher Education must continue the specified programs that help students prepare for college coursework. The requirement covers college readiness programs and extra academic support offered within courses or through intensive programs. The board must continue each program offered at each public college in the corresponding semester one year earlier. This section took effect July 1, 2026. It names programs offered in fall 2024 and spring 2025 as the programs to continue in fall 2025 and spring 2026, respectively.

The Board of Regents for Higher Education governs Connecticut State Community College and oversees its policies, programs, and spending. Oversight includes admissions, academic programs, and campus mergers or closures. Campus missions must describe their roles and strengths. The college may offer community learning, cultural activities, and recreation. Spending must stay within available funds. Board policies must protect academic freedom and course content. Community groups may use college facilities when their use does not conflict with the college's regular schedule. The board may raise money directly only for student aid or campus programs, services, and activities. It must report this fundraising to lawmakers every two years by January 1. The board charges direct building project costs to that project's bond account using a procedure approved by the Treasurer. It cannot charge working capital costs or costs originally paid from other sources. The college oversight and community service provisions took effect July 1, 2026.

The Board of Regents for Higher Education may maintain an emergency program to prepare college graduates to teach elementary school. The board acts for the Connecticut State University System. The program covers graduates of approved four-year colleges and universities preparing to teach in Connecticut elementary schools. The board may set admission rules and tuition rates and make agreements to obtain needed facilities. The teacher training provision took effect July 1, 2026.