College Bound Education Programs in Colorado

For high school students in Colorado aspiring to pursue higher education, several programs offer the motivation, skills, and support needed for a successful transition to college. These programs, often targeting first-generation college students, low-income individuals, and other underrepresented groups, aim to bridge the gap between high school and college, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

TRIO Programs: A Comprehensive Support System

The U.S. Department of Education's TRIO programs are a suite of federally funded initiatives designed to assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education. These programs encompass a wide range of services, from academic support and counseling to financial literacy and college preparation. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, disabled and disconnected individuals to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.

Talent Search: Identifying and Assisting Potential College Students

The Talent Search program focuses on identifying and assisting individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate the potential to succeed in higher education. Participants receive academic, career, and financial counseling, encouraging them to graduate from high school and pursue postsecondary education. The program also publicizes financial aid opportunities and assists with the college application process. Talent Search encourages individuals who have not completed secondary or postsecondary education to re-enter and complete their education.

Upward Bound: Preparing Students for College Entrance

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program offers opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. A specialized program, Upward Bound Math and Science, is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. Veterans Upward Bound is designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring and academic instruction in the core subject areas.

Student Support Services (SSS): Supporting Students in College

Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. Student Support Services (SSS) projects also may provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants.

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program: Preparing for Doctoral Studies

Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to prepare eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential. Institutions work closely with participants as they complete their undergraduate requirements. Institutions encourage participants to enroll in graduate programs and then track their progress through to the successful completion of advanced degrees. The goal is to increase the attainment of Ph.D. degrees by students from underrepresented segments of society.

Educational Opportunity Centers: Counseling and Information for Adults

The Educational Opportunity Centers program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process.

Training Program for TRIO Project Staff

Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education and other public and private nonprofit institutions and organizations to support training to enhance the skills and expertise of project directors and staff employed in the Federal TRIO Programs. Funds may be used for conferences, seminars, internships, workshops, or the publication of manuals.

Colorado Mountain College (CMC) Upward Bound Programs

Colorado Mountain College (CMC) hosts two Upward Bound programs designed to help high school students successfully transition to college. One program, operating out of the CMC Edwards Campus, serves students in Eagle and Lake County. The second program, operating out of the CMC Rifle Campus, serves the students of West Garfield County. Participants may apply as early as their 8th grade year and gain the support and skills to achieve academic excellence in both high school and post-secondary institutions. Students must be a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States.

University of Colorado (CU) Denver Pre-Collegiate Programs

The University of Colorado campuses offer Pre-Collegiate programs for first-generation middle school and high school students planning to attend college. These programs provide academic support and guidance for applying to college.

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At CU Denver, the Center for Pre-Collegiate and Academic Outreach Programs include the following:

Pre-Collegiate Middle School Academic Program (Middle School)
Pre-Collegiate Development Program (High school students)
CU Denver Scholars Program (High school seniors)
Pre-Collegiate Family Program
Pre-Collegiate Summer Bridge Program (Lynx Summer Academy)
Pre-Collegiate Peer Mentorship Program

The CU Denver Scholars Program is an early college enrollment program for college-bound, high-achieving, first-generation high school seniors, meaning that neither of their biological nor adoptive parents completed a four-year college degree. Scholars students get a head start on college. They take CU Denver college courses and receive college credit at the same time they're still completing their senior year in high school. The Scholars Program requires a serious commitment from the student. Eligibility includes: being a high school senior, being a first-generation college student, planning to attend college, attending a target high school, having a minimum 3.0 GPA (Grade Point Average), completing at least two years of math-two years of algebra or one year of algebra and one year of geometry-with a "B" average or better, completing two years of English, including one year of composition, with a "B" average or better, committing to participate in all Saturday Academies and attend all scheduled classes. Eligible participants will be recruited the spring semester of their junior year. Responsibilities and Expectations include: being active program participants throughout their senior year in high school, attending all Saturday Academies, attending and successfully completing college courses, paying for textbooks, ranging from $50.00 - $200.00 per course, paying the fee for a student identification card, and if driving to campus, paying the daily parking fee. During the school year, high school seniors Scholar’s Program attend monthly Saturday Academy workshops. The workshops focus on teaching enhanced study skills, such as note-taking, preparing for tests, effective listening, organization, and time management. Students also develop their leadership and interpersonal skills while receiving guidance on how to prepare for a successful transition into college, including understanding the college application process, preparing to take college entrance exams, applying for financial aid, and attending college and career fairs.

Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS)

Colorado Rocky Mountain School is a college-preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12. It is a place to adventure, explore, create, challenge, engage, and connect. CRMS educates the whole student. Graduates continue to be life-long learners and responsible citizens of the world.

First-Generation College Students: Breaking the Cycle

A first-generation college student is defined as someone whose biological or adoptive parents have not completed a four-year college degree. Many programs, like the CU Denver Scholars Program, specifically target these students to provide them with the resources and support they need to navigate the college experience successfully.

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