Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Center is designed to provide academic enhancements for middle school and high school first-generation students through various programs. These programs emphasize early outreach, on-going proactive academic guidance, and access to higher education support systems in an effort to increase college enrollment and graduate rates while the students are still in middle school and high school.

The Center for Pre-Collegiate and Academic Outreach Programs at CU Denver provide the following services:

• Pre-Collegiate Middle School Academic Program (7th and 8th grades) 
• Pre-Collegiate Development Program (9th, 10th, and 11th grades) 
• CU Denver Scholars Program (12th grade)
• Family/Parent Program (Parent/guardians who have students participating in one of the Center programs)
• Summer Bridge (First time Pre-Collegiate students matriculating to CU Denver the fall semester following their high school graduation)

The program is designed to serve first-generation college-bound seventh and eighth grade students. It prepares students to enroll in a high school preparatory curriculum, graduate from high school and enter college with the necessary skills to graduate. Students selected for this program are expected to actively participate throughout their participation.                    

The program offers students the opportunity to engage in a variety of college preparation activities throughout the school year. Students get supplemental instruction and work on their basic study skills, including note-taking, test preparation, and effective listening, etc. Students also develop their leadership skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, explore careers, and receive guidance on how to prepare for college.                    

Middle school students who successfully complete the program with a minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) will transition to the Pre-Collegiate Development Program (High School) at the beginning of their freshman year.                    

To qualify for the program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a seventh or eighth grader
• Be a first-generation college student, meaning neither of their biological or adoptive parents completed a four-year college degree in the U.S.
• Attend a target middle school 
• Have a minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA 

Additionally, students must also meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Be a member of a one-parent family 
• Be the eldest in the family 
• Plan to continue their education beyond high school

To get the full benefit from their experiences and fulfill their academic potential, students must actively participate in program activities and commit to their own success. They are responsible to:

• Be active participants throughout their middle school years 
• Attend and be fully involved in all program-sponsored activities 
• Cooperate with the program staff in all program-related matters

During the academic school year, students in the middle school program attend monthly Saturday Academies at the University of Colorado Denver on the Auraria Campus during the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, eighth graders will also attend workshops in June and July.                    

Only students who meet the program requirements will be considered for participation. Please contact the manager before completing any forms. 

• Leslie Farrell, Manager 
• Middle School Academic Program 
• Phone: 303-315-7070 
• Email: pcmsap@ucdenver.edu

The program is designed to motivate and prepare ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade first-generation college-bound students to complete high school on a timely basis with the necessary skills to attend college and graduate. During the academic year, students participate in activities which provide them with support and tools to help them reach their college goals.

To get the full benefit from their experiences and fulfill their academic potential, students must actively participate in program activities and commit to their own success. They are responsible for:

• Be active participants throughout their middle school years 
• Attend and be fully involved in all program-sponsored activities 
• Cooperate with the program staff in all program-related matters 
• The summer after the students’ tenth grade, they are required to participate in a two-week summer academic program at CU Denver 
• The summer after the students’ eleventh grade, they are required to participate in a five-week summer academic program at CU Denver 
• Take college preparation courses in high school with guidance from program staff and school counselors

During the academic school year, students in the high school program attend monthly Saturday Academies at the University of Colorado Denver on the Auraria Campus during the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, the program offers students a 2-week summer academic program at the end of the students’ sophomore year and a 5-week summer academic program at the end of the students’ junior year.

The program offers students the opportunity to engage in a variety of college preparation activities throughout the school year.  Students get supplemental instruction and work on their basic study skills, including note-taking, test preparation, and effective listening, etc. Students also develop their leadership skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, explore careers, attend college fairs, and receive guidance on how to prepare for college.                    

The Center offers two summer academic programs to the students who participate in the Pre-Collegiate Development Program:

2-Week Summer Academic Program

The summer after completing tenth grade, before their junior year, students participate in a two-week summer academic program at the University of Colorado Denver. The session includes several academic opportunities:

• Ethnic Literature course with an emphasis on writing, SAT Math Prep, and SAT English Prep courses.

5-Week Summer Academic Program

The summer after completing eleventh grade, before their senior year, students participate in a five-week summer academic program at the University of Colorado Denver. The session includes several academic opportunities:

• Mathematics—Algebra II through Calculus, College courses in English Composition or English Workshop, and College Prep Seminar.

To qualify for the program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be in ninth, tenth, or eleventh grade 
• Be a first-generation college student, meaning neither of their biological or adoptive parents completed a four-year college degree in the U.S. 
• Attend a target middle school 
• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average)

Additionally, students must also meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Be a member of a one-parent family
• Be the eldest in the family
• Planning to continue their education beyond high school

Only students who meet the program requirements will be considered for participation. Please contact the program manager before completing any forms.

• Norma Marquez, Program Manager 
• Pre-Collegiate Development Program 
• Phone: 303-315-7070 
• Email: PCDP@ucdenver.edu

The CU Denver Scholars Program is an early college enrollment program designed for high-achieving college-bound, first-generation high school seniors. Students get a head start on college by enrolling in a CU Denver college course during the fall and spring semester of their senior year in high school. Students receive college credits at the same time as they’re still completing their senior year in high school. They also attend Saturday Academies during their senior year.

Students are required to attend in-person classes at the University of Colorado Denver during the fall and/or spring semesters of their senior year. Tuition and fee will be covered by the program, but students are expected to pay for their books, transportation, and parking. The Scholars Program requires serious commitment from the students. If a student earns a grade of C- or lower in their college course, it may jeopardize their opportunity to get admitted to the college or university of their choice. We caution students who are interested in the program that to be successful in college-level work, it requires both discipline and considerable time commitment. With that in mind, we only encourage students to apply if they don’t work and/or aren’t heavily involved in extra-curricular activities at their high school.                    

To qualify for the Scholars Program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Be a high school senior
• Be a first-generation college student, meaning neither of their biological nor adoptive parents completed a four-year college degree in the U.S.
• Plan to attend college
• Attend a target high school
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completed at least two years of math—two years of algebra or one year of algebra and one year of geometry—with a “B” or better
• Completed two years of English, including one year of composition, with a “B” or better

Additionally, students must also meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Be a member of a one-parent family
• Be the eldest in the family
• Plan to continue their education beyond high school

• Be active participants throughout their senior year in high school 
• Attend all Saturday Academies
• Attend and successfully complete their college course(s) 
• Cooperate with the program staff in all program-related matters
• Pay for class material
• If driving to campus, pay the daily parking fee

Only students who meet the program requirements will be considered for participation. Please contact the coordinator before completing any forms.

• Daniela Castorena, Senior Coordinator 
• CU Denver Scholars Program  
• Phone: 303-315-7070 
• Email: Scholars@ucdenver.edu

The program is designed to work with first-generation parents who have students participating in one of the Center programs. To benefit from the program, parents are highly encouraged to attend the Saturday workshops designed for them.

Parents will receive a schedule of workshops that they are encouraged to attend.                    

No, only parents who have students participating in one of the Center programs are eligible to attend workshops. 

Please contact the coordinator for additional information.

• Tiffany Bolanos, Coordinator
• Pre-Collegiate Family Program
• Phone: 303-315-7070
• Email: TIFFANY.BOLANOSFLORES@UCDENVER.EDU

In collaboration with Lynx Summer Academy, CU System Pre-Collegiate students who matriculate to the University of Colorado Denver, the fall following their high school graduation, will have the opportunity to participate in the Summer Bridge Program.

Students will be given the opportunity to apply to the program during their senior year of participation in one of the CU System Pre-Collegiate Programs.

For information, please contact the following individual. 

• Daniela Castorena, Senior Coordinator 
• CU Denver Scholars Program  
• Phone: 303-315-7070 
• Email: Scholars@ucdenver.edu

The program is designed to work with former CU System Pre-Collegiate students who matriculate to the University of Colorado Denver to be successful during their first and second year at CU Denver and throughout their college experiences. The Peer Mentorship Program serves an important role in supporting students in navigating the various challenges and barriers they may encounter during their initial college experiences at CU Denver.  For information, please contact the following individual. 

• Norma Marquez, Program Manager 
• Pre-Collegiate Development Program  
• Phone: 303-315-7070  
• Email: PCDP@ucdenver.edu