(1) The general assembly finds that:
The pathways in technology early college high school model (p-tech) allows studentsto graduate from high school with a high school diploma and an industry-recognized associate degree. Students in a p-tech school may also earn pre-apprenticeship certificates and other industry-recognized certificates in addition to an associate degree.
The success of p-tech schools depends upon close collaboration between a localeducation provider, a community college, and one or more local high-growth industry employers;
The p-tech school model has been recently established in other states, including NewYork, Connecticut, and Illinois, and is showing promise; and
Graduating more high school students with career-ready skills to meet Colorado'sworkforce needs is part of the state's education and economic development goals.
(2) The general assembly therefore declares that establishing a limited number of p-tech schools in the state will benefit students and industry in Colorado.
Source: L. 2015: Entire article added, (HB 15-1270), ch. 195, p. 651, § 1, effective August 5.