Drawing on information from a variety of sources compiled by the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, researchers examined existing data on girls primarily between the ages of 12 and 19 and held seven focus groups across the state. The report reveals causes for celebration and concern, as Colorado's girls are thriving in many areas of their lives, but are also continuing to encounter challenges and barriers in a quest toward personal achievement. The report reveals several positive findings in the areas of health, teen pregnancy rates, education, and economic self-sufficiency. Girls in Colorado are healthier compared with girls around the nation. The report reveals that Colorado girls are more likely than girls nationally to enroll in physical education classes with more than 35 percent enrolled in high school PE classes.
More good news concerns the teen pregnancy rate among Colorado girls.
Further, in 2000, Colorado girls' scores were 30 points higher than the national girls' average score on the verbal test and 23 points higher than the national girls' average score on the math exam. Meanwhile, Colorado girls are in the workplace in large numbers. Mental health among Colorado's girls is also a major concern. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for girls in Colorado, as the report states, girls are more likely to seriously contemplate, plan or actually attempt suicide than boys. Other major concerns involve insufficient prenatal care and increases in criminal behavior by girls.