To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program to facilitate the transition to tuition-free community college in certain States, and for other purposes.

This bill would create a new, five-year federal grant program administered by the Department of Education to help states move toward tuition-free community college for eligible students in selected states. Each eligible state would receive a grant to implement a comprehensive plan that: (1) provide tuition-free attendance at participating community colleges; (2) award subgrants to eligible institutions to build capacity and offer wraparound student services; and (3) award subgrants to institutions to provide direct emergency aid to students for non-tuition costs. The program emphasizes interagency coordination, alignment with secondary and postsecondary education, career pathways in in-demand sectors, and support services (housing, childcare, transportation, food, etc.). States must submit detailed plans, including data collection, transfer of credits, sustaining funds, and outreach to underserved groups. Notably, the bill requires 100% federal funding for the five-year grant period (with planning year) and sets annual reporting and public data dashboards. After the grant period, states would need to sustain the program with nonfederal funds. Eligible institutions include community colleges meeting certain criteria and other eligible higher education institutions (e.g., HBCUs, HSIs, Tribal colleges, rural-serving institutions) that serve the state’s needs. An “eligible student” is someone 18 or older without a postsecondary credential beyond a bachelor’s degree who is a state resident and facing financial barriers.