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In May 2009, the Colorado State Legislature passed House Bill 09-1319 and Senate Bill 09-285, the Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act. The collective intent is to broaden access to and improve the quality of concurrent enrollment programs, improve coordination between institutions of secondary education and institutions of higher education, and ensure financial transparency and accountability.

This legislation also created the ASCENT program.

This program is funded through the State of Colorado, and funding is not guaranteed.  The District will fund tuition at either part-time or full-time rates, and the number of ASCENT slots varies from year to year and is contingent about the allocation received from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).   It is vital that students and families understand that the ASCENT program is contingent upon state funds, and these funds are allotted each summer.  Students are strongly advised to apply for admission, scholarships, and financial aid to the college(s) of their choice.  

Students must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the ASCENT program:

1. Create a detailed plan for college enrollment in the student’s Individual Career & Academic Plan (ICAP). The ICAP outlines the student’s career goals and aligns his/her high school coursework, experiences, and opportunities with future plans.  A Plan of Study and/or combination of student’s career goals and degree/certificate program sheet should be included.  Plans can be submitted digitally through the student's Naviance account and/or reviewed with the school counselor.

2. Complete ASCENT Application and Contract. 

3. Complete all high school graduation requirements.

4. Successfully earned 12 college credits by the end of their senior year.

5. Earn a cumulative GPA in the college courses of 2.5 or better.

6. Be admitted into a postsecondary degree or certificate program and meet the college readiness benchmarks for CMU or WCCC.

7. File for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

8. Agree to delay high school graduation for one year. (Students can still participate in graduation ceremonies).

What is ASCENT?

In May 2009, the Colorado State Legislature passed House Bill 09-1319 and Senate Bill 09-285, the Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act.  The collective intent is to broaden access to and improve the quality of concurrent enrollment programs, improve coordination between institutions of secondary education and institutions of higher education, and ensure financial transparency and accountability.

The legislation also created the ASCENT program.

ASCENT stands for Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment.  It is a “5th Year Program that allows seniors to remain enrolled at the high school and take a fifth year of classes consisting entirely of college classes.  If they have met all of the high school graduation requirements and have 9 credit hours of college classes prior to the end of their senior year, they are eligible to be an ASCENT student. 

Benefits to the student:

A student takes college classes for the “5th year” of high school while Mesa County Valley School District (D51) pays a portion of the college tuition.  

How much tuition money can a student receive?

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) allocates a Per Pupil Operating Revenue (PPOR) to D51.  The maximum amount a student can receive is the CDE PPOR allocation to D51.  CDE notifies D51 of the allocated PPOR.  

What expenses is the student responsible for?

The ASCENT funds are for tuition only.  The student is responsible for all fees, books, room and board. 

Does participating in ASCENT impact other financial aid?

Yes.  A student is not eligible for any other federal student financial aid while participating in ASCENT.  A student may receive financial aid the year following ASCENT, however, some colleges, universities and scholarships have specific qualifications that should be considered prior to accepting the ASCENT Program award.  It is important for families to review all financial aid options prior to accepting the ASCENT Program award.    

Who qualifies for ASCENT?

A student must:

• Complete all High School Graduation Requirements

• Be a D51 or a D51 Charter School student

• Successfully complete 9 or more college credits in 9-12 grade  These credits may be from AP test scores or Concurrent Enrollment classes at the 100 level or above (early scholars, high school scholars, technical scholars)

• A minimum 2.5 GPA in the 9 or more college credits 

• Stay enrolled at the high school for a fifth year (they do not attend classes at the high school)

• Complete an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) with a high school counselor

• Be under the age of 21

When are applications due?

Applications for the ASCENT program are due by April 25th.

When will students know if they receive the ASCENT Program

Students will be notified by the school counselor as soon as ASCENT applications are reviewed. This will happen in May.  Note:  ASCENT funding is determined by legislation and is not guaranteed.

When does a student have to complete the CMU/WCCC ASCENT agreement and registration forms?

The ASCENT agreement and registration forms must be completed by June 30th.  At this time any student who has not completed the agreement and registration forms will forfeit their ASCENT Program award.

Will all Qualified Students be able to participate in ASCENT?

Application for a ASCENT does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be notified as soon as possible if they receive an ASCENT program award.  

Who should NOT participate in ASCENT?

• A student who wants to attend a college out of state their freshman year.

• A student who will play inter-collegiate sports (NCAA).

• A student who will require additional federal financial aid (federal student loans, federal grants) to cover expenses that are not covered by ASCENT.

• A student who receives scholarship/grant funding that exceeds the ASCENT award amount.

Can a student participate in college activities and athletics?

A student may participate in college activities and club sports, but are not eligible to participate in inter-collegiate athletics (NCAA).

When does a student graduate if participating in ASCENT?

A student will participate in the high school graduation ceremony with their high school class.  Students will receive a certificate stating that they are an ASCENT student for the following school year in place of the diploma.  The student will remain classified as a high school student the following year while participating in ASCENT.  The high school transcript will show high school graduation requirements have been met and the student is enrolled in ASCENT for a 5th year.  The high school diploma will be awarded once a student completes or stops participating in the ASCENT program. The graduation year on the diploma will be the year the student completes or stops participating in the ASCENT program.  All college courses will appear on a student’s high school transcript and a student’s college transcript.

Where can a student take college courses?

A student can take college courses at any Colorado accredited public University, Community College or Technical College that engages in ASCENT programming.  D51 currently has agreements in place with Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado Community College, Western State University, and the Technical College of the Rockies.  If a student plans to attend another Colorado accredited public institution, an email request must be made to the D51 Career and College Readiness Department at least four months in advance of the freshmen fall semester.  This allows the CCR department the time necessary to seek an agreement with the post secondary institution. Not all Colorado accredited public institutions participate in ASCENT.