(1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that:

(a) The use of information technology and digital electronics has achieved such a high level of pervasiveness in society that any person who is unfamiliar with or lacks knowledge in the use of technological or digital equipment or systems is at a distinct disadvantage both economically and in terms of available career opportunities;

(b) There is a growing likelihood of the creation of a "digital divide", separating children whose socioeconomic situation limits their access to technological or digital equipment or systems from those children who use such equipment or systems on a regular basis;

(c) Creation of a digital divide may result in further suppressing the ability of children who are economically disadvantaged to improve their status and position in society, compounding and perpetuating the existing cycle of poverty experienced by some persons;

(d) Greater integration of information technology education into the public school curriculum will help combat the growing digital divide and provide technological and digital access for students who do not have access to such technology in their homes;

(e) Greater integration of information technology education into the public school curriculum will work to the benefit of all students, regardless of whether they anticipate going on to postsecondary studies after graduation or immediately embarking on a career;

(f) The field of high technology design, creation, maintenance, and application is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States;

(g) Colorado, due to the high concentration of information technology industry in the state, has experienced and continues to experience a shortage of well-educated, well-prepared persons in the information technology field;

(h) It is therefore appropriate and in the best interests of the students and businesses in Colorado to provide financial incentives to assist public schools in achieving a greater integration of information technology education in the ninth-grade through twelfth-grade curriculum.

(2) It is the intent of the general assembly that, for purposes of this article, any school that provides educational services to students who are placed in an eligible facility or state-operated program and receives a portion of the state average per pupil revenues shall be considered eligible under this article.