Free College Credit


Concurrent Enrollment=Free College Credit

Concurrent enrollment allows students to earn free college credit and industry based certificates while still in high school, giving them a head start on their college and career goals. Students gain exposure to the academic challenges of college while in their supportive high school environment or on a college campus, earning college and high school credits simultaneously.

Available at all APS high schools, many concurrent enrollment credits are transferrable to a two- or four-year degree program. Research shows providing college-level or career technical education work while in high school helps prepare students for postsecondary success, particularly those historically underserved in higher education. APS is one of the top 10 districts in the state participating in concurrent enrollment, according to a recent report released from the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

Concurrent Enrollment programs provide high school students with the opportunity to enroll in postsecondary courses and earn credit at no cost to them for tuition. Colorado data show that students in concurrent enrollment programs are more likely to enroll in postsecondary education, have higher postsecondary grade point averages and retention rates and decreased need for remediation

Who is eligible to participate in concurrent enrollment?

Concurrent Enrollment is open to APS students beginning in the ninth grade. In order to participate, students must apply to and be accepted to the college for admission. Students are required to have an approved ICAP, qualifying standardized test scores or grade waivers and completed paperwork by the district deadline.

What are the benefits of concurrent enrollment?

By earning transferable college credits while still in high school, students save both time and money and ease the transition to college. Through concurrent enrollment, students are exposed to the rigors of college at an earlier age, better preparing them for postsecondary success. With the ICAP process, concurrent enrollment allows students to take courses that are of personal interest to them. Additionally, students who participate in concurrent enrollment are eligible to apply for ASCENT.

For additional information regarding concurrent enrollment, please contact the counseling department of your student's school.

Other Concurrent Enrollment Programs

ASCENT

ASCENT is a first-year college experience program for students following completion of their senior year. Students receive one free year of college at Community College of Aurora, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Pickens Technical College.

It's not easy to be an ASCENT Scholar, but with some planning and hard work, you can do it!

    • Meet all high school graduation requirements

    • Complete 12 post-secondary credit hours (100 level or above with C or better) by end of senior year

*AP/IB and CLEP scores can contribute towards the 12 credit hours if the necessary score is met and transcribed to college credit by the Community College of Aurora, by April of senior year

    • Be college ready in math and English through ACT/SAT or Accuplacer/CCPT scores, or successful completion of remediation courses

*Not required for PTC or certain CCA certificate programs

Advanced Placement Courses

Advanced Placement courses are those which are sponsored by the College Board for which high school students can obtain college credit through the appropriate Advanced Placement Examination. While there is a testing fee associated with AP exams the cost of this is much lower than the cost of a traditional college class. Students who are on free/reduced lunch may qualify for a reduced exam fee. These courses relate specifically to those students who have shown achievement in specific areas beyond the normal course of study. A student interested in an Advanced Placement Examination should confer with a school counselor.

Schools that offer Advanced Placement courses:

College Credit Opportunities at Pickens Technical College

College credit is available for many programs offered at Pickens Technical College. Agreements allow students to transfer credits earned for Pickens Tech certificates toward an associate degree conferred by the respective community college. Students should consult an academic advisor for further information and consult the transfer guides and catalogs of the respective institutions.

Students who desire to complete an Associate of Applied Science Degree Program must complete the technical classes for a designated occupational certificate at Pickens Tech and general education and/or other degree requirements at the participating community college from which the degree is earned.

Call 303-344-4910 for more information or visit www.pickenstech.org.