(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 establish the Colorado student leaders institute as a pilot program 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.