While most kids are enjoying their summer vacation, 14-year-old Hayley Stromberg led a press conference at the capitol Wednesday.

"All of us are here today to announce the 2013 Year of the Student campaign," Hayley said.

She's part of a group of students with diverse concerns from tuition increases, to first generation students, to schools in farming communities.

"In a rural school, there are two challenges," said Annsley Brophy, recent graduate of Yuma High School. "One, teacher hiring and retention. Two, the opportunities available to rural students."

Hayley says she wants people to know that students care about what's happening to their schools.

"The perception of this generation is that we are careless, ignorant and disrespectful," she said.

All the students have one goal: Get people at the capitol to listen.

"If it matters to kids this much, then they should care about it, too," Hayley said.

What Hayley and the other students are saying has been talked about for years at the State Capitol. Some legislators say there's no extra money to be found. Other legislators, especially Republicans, say more money doesn't necessarily equal better schools.

But, none of the reasons will deter Hayley.

"If you're a problem-solver, if you think, if you're creative, there is a way to come with (the money)," said Hayley.

That's why the high school freshman is doing interviews, handing out her business cards and leading a press conference in the middle of summer vacation.

She wants to get the ball rolling before the legislature starts again in January.

"It's kind of intertwined with my summer too," she said. "But I can still be a 14 year old."

The 2013 Year of the Student campaign is backed by a group called Great Education Colorado.

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