§ 22-106-101 — Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly finds that:

(a) The state is committed to increasing the number of students who
graduate from a Colorado high school, enroll in a Colorado institution of higher
education, and graduate with a postsecondary credential in two to four academic
years;

(b) Several states have implemented a summer residential education
program for high school students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual
curiosity, creativity, and maturity. While participating in the summer program,
students attend classes, lectures, seminars, concerts, art exhibits, theatrical
performances, and films and have the opportunity to learn independently and from
distinguished faculty, staff members, and guest lecturers.

(c) The summer residential education programs implemented in other states
have:

(I) Successfully developed a civic voice among the states' best students so
that they graduate from high school as civic participants;

(II) Prepared motivated students to participate in a competitive workforce;

(III) Helped to create young leaders who are energized to find solutions for
the pressing issues facing their states; and

(IV) Motivated students to remain in their home states for their
postsecondary education and careers; and

(d) A high percentage of the students who have participated in the summer
residential education programs have subsequently enrolled in postsecondary
education in their home states and earned a baccalaureate degree in four years.

(2) The general assembly finds, therefore, that it is in the best interests of
the state to continue the Colorado student leaders institute using the model of
summer residential education programs implemented in other states and to
appropriate state money to ensure the successful operations of the institute for the
benefit of Colorado high school students.

(3) The general assembly further finds that, for purposes of section 17 of
article IX of the state constitution, the Colorado student leaders institute is an
accountable program that assists students in meeting state academic standards
and may therefore receive funding from the state education fund created in section
17 (4) of article IX of the state constitution.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2023: Entire article added with relocations, (SB 23-086), ch. 117, p. 422, � 1, effective July 1.