SIGNED! Legislation to Expand Educational Opportunities & Support Youth Mentorship Programs
Bills create a free adult high school program for those over 21 to receive their diploma, offer financial incentives for youth mentorship programs
DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation to support Coloradans through expanded education opportunities and youth mentorship programs.
Sponsored by Senators Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-003 creates the Colorado Adult High School program to expand educational opportunities for adults, which will improve Colorado’s workforce and close equity gaps. The Colorado Adult High School Program will reside within the Department of Education and partner with a local nonprofit to operate the program with an initial pilot campus located in Aurora.
“Many Coloradans are forced to leave high school early due to various life circumstances, and face barriers that make it difficult to return and earn their degree,” Buckner said. “This bill creates a pathway for adults to get their high school diploma free of cost. The Colorado Adult High School Program will save folks money while setting them up for success in their careers – helping us build a better Colorado for all.”
In addition to a high school diploma, students will also have the option to earn an industry certificate or college credits. In 2022, Colorado’s graduation rate was 82.3 percent – showing that the need for alternative education opportunities is clear.
SB23-149, sponsored by Senators James Coleman, D-Denver, and Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, implements a pilot program to create financial incentives for college students participating in eligible youth mentorship programs. Effective mentorship groups have been shown to benefit young people by increasing high school graduation rates, improving their self image, and raising their academic performance.
"Mentorship programs have been shown to improve mental health and performance at work or school for mentors and mentees," said Coleman. “By encouraging more college students to be mentors, we are building more support systems for our students and taking a step toward resolving Colorado’s student mental health crisis.”
“Mentors in youth programs are positive role models that can connect young Coloradans to opportunities that they otherwise would have never known existed,” Exum said. “The pilot program we’re creating in this bill will help college students connect with mentees who might need a helping hand. This important legislation empowers college students to make a difference in the lives of young people in their communities and will have impacts for years to come.”
The benefits of mentorship programs are not limited to youth participants; mentors have reported increased self esteem, a sense of accomplishment, and improved skills as a supervisor following participation in a program.