CO SB290

Creates the Colorado Student Leaders Institute as a four-week residential summer academic program for high school students entering 10th or 11th grade, operating as a pilot program through summer 2019.

Program accepts up to 100 students annually who must complete college-level classes in STEM or international social studies, enrichment activities, a history research project competition, and a public service practicum with recommendations to the General Assembly.

Establishes an 11-member Executive Board appointed by the Governor to oversee operations, select students, and contract with a host institution of higher education; requires at least 50% of selected students to be low-income or first-generation college-bound, with geographic and demographic diversity.

Provides $218,825 in state education fund appropriation for fiscal year 2015-16; requires at least $40,000 in annual private gifts, grants, or donations by June 1 to operate; awards 3 hours of postsecondary academic credit to completing students.

Program automatically repeals July 1, 2019, with any unspent funds transferred to the state education fund.