(1) The general assembly finds that: (a) The purpose of the outdoor equity grant program is to increase access and opportunity for underserved youth and their families to experience Colorado's open spaces, state parks, public lands, and other outdoor areas through programs with a focus on conservation, the environment, outdoor education, or outdoor recreation; (b) Colorado is a state of dynamic growth, change, and progress. It is internationally renowned for its beauty and vast scope of year-round outdoor activities, natural landscapes, and mountain adventures. (c) Paradoxically, despite the plethora of outdoor opportunities, certain demographics of Colorado youth and their families face real challenges and obstacles to accessing nature; (d) A clear lack of equity exists for low-income, inner-city, rural, or racially and ethnically diverse youth, for youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer or questioning, for Native American or indigenous youth, and for youth with disabilities to engage in meaningful outdoor experiences and nature-based education; (e) Historic and chronic systemic inequities have made access to nature more challenging for these youth; (f) Research confirms that time spent outside is essential to health and well-being; it improves physical and mental health, reduces stress, and enhances social skills; and (g) More time spent in nature for dispossessed youth can translate to better academic performance, increased enthusiasm for school and school activities, and a lessened likelihood for attendance problems. (2) The general assembly further finds and declares that it is necessary to establish an outdoor equity grant program to fund programs and meaningful experiences led by community members and leaders who understand the unique needs and perspectives of underserved youth and their communities in order to ensure long-term and sustainable investments for new generations of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists.
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