It is the intent and purpose of the Legislature that the University and College Opportunities Program provided for in this article shall be directed to improve the preparation of elementary and secondary school pupils for their successful matriculation through courses of study at two-year and four-year institutions of postsecondary education.

It is the intent and purpose of the Legislature that school districts be authorized to establish college preparatory programs targeted towards pupils from groups which are underrepresented in institutions of postsecondary education. It is further the intent of the Legislature that funding for these programs shall be derived from existing funds apportioned to participating school districts so as to result in no additional costs to the state. It is further the intent of the Legislature that participating school districts shall be encouraged to coordinate and utilize new and existing resources and service networks available to them and that they solicit the participation of the California Community Colleges, the California State University and Colleges, the University of California, and other public and private sector entities.

(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1298, Sec. 16.)