ASCENT

Helpful Links:

CDE ASCENT Website

CDE Concurrent Enrollment Qualifiers Flowchart

Eligibility

A qualified student is eligible for ASCENT if the student:

Has completed, or is on schedule to complete, at least 9 credit hours (semester hours or equivalent) of transcribed, credit-bearing, college-level postsecondary coursework* prior to completing their 12th grade year.
Is college ready, and not in need of developmental coursework in accordance with the pathway in which they enroll.
Applies to and is accepted into a postsecondary degree program at a qualified Colorado institution of higher education.
Has not been designated an ASCENT program participant in any prior year (can only participate in ASCENT for 1 academic year).
Completes and submits a FAFSA/CAFSA application.

Application

Application Fillable.docx

All interested students must complete the ASCENT application
You are strongly encouraged to read all information on this site to ensure you understand the program, financial responsibility, and other important factors related to ASCENT participation.

Timeline

Jan 1, 2026 - Application opens

Mar 1, 2026 - Application due

Mar 31 - FAFSA/CAFSA should be sent to PCC or FLC

Apr 20 - Students will be informed of ASCENT decisions

Apr 30 - ASCENT Agreement Forms are due for all accepted students

*Students attending FLC will be required to attend freshman orientation - date TBA

What does ASCENT pay for?

For the purposes of ASCENT, full-time is considered 12 or more college credits per semester. Part-time is considered 9 or fewer credit hours per semester.

ASCENT covers the cost of tuition and fees for fall & spring semesters. (If a student is part-time fall semester, they are limited to part-time spring semester as well.)
Full time students can take up to 2 online classes a semester, part-time students can take 1. Online classes must be approved by the ASCENT Specialist. Online math & science classes are typically NOT approved.
Chromebooks are available for check out from DHS, if needed.
Textbooks and equipment costs are not covered by the Dolores School District.
Fees for clinicals, certification exams and professional organizations/conferences are also the responsibility of the student.

Paying for College Courses

How do I pay for the tuition charges of the college courses that I take?

There is no tuition cost for ASCENT courses, though you will be responsible for the cost of textbooks or required equipment fees. The tuition bill is paid by your school district.
You are required to authorized the use of your College Opportunity Fund (COF) to help pay for your college course costs at a college/university that receives COF funding. Please note that college-level credits earned through ASCENT will NO LONGER be deducted from the student's COF lifetime credits account.

What other costs could I be required to pay?

While you are responsible for the cost of textbooks and equipment, some ASCENT courses use free books and resources called Open Education Resources (OER). Check with your instructor before purchasing or renting books.

Requirements of all applicants:

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for scholarships and to complete the FAFSA, in the event that you are not selected to participate in ASCENT.
You and your parent/guardian give written permission to exchange your academic records and student information that is pertinent to your participation in the ASCENT program with the college/university.
The Dolores School District will not release your high school diploma or official transcript until you have completed the ASCENT program.

Financial Aid

Is an ASCENT student eligible for financial aid?

No. A student is retained by their school district to participate in ASCENT, and are still considered to be high school students, so they are not able to accept financial aid. A student may apply for scholarships that do not require first-time, undergraduate college student status. Please note that districts are only required to cover student tuition with ASCENT funds, and as a high school student, an ASCENT student does not have access to federal or state financial aid to help cover other expenses, such as housing or room and board.

FAFSA/CASFA

While students are encouraged to apply to FAFSA or CASFA, if a student accepts an ASCENT scholarship, they CANNOT utilize FAFSA (pell grants, work study, student loans).

Private Scholarships

You can accept private scholarships. For example, a scholarship through a parent's employer or a foundation.
Many organizations require that the scholarship be applied to tuition, fees, or books. Since ASCENT already has these covered, you should speak with the organization about deferring your scholarship for 1 year or, discuss the possibility of receiving the scholarship as a check to be applied to school related expenses or savings.

Other Important ASCENT Program Information

College Course Grades are posted to both your official high school and college transcripts. Please note that failed or incomplete college course grades or course withdrawals may negatively affect your ability to be accepted to or receive financial aid from a college in the future.
College Course Prerequisites and Expectations You are required to meet all of the course expectations and prerequisites as noted in the college/university course catalog and/or syllabus.
Students with Disabilities have the right to access any program offered by the school district as long as they meet all of the same eligibility requirements and prerequisites for enrollment. Students with disabilities are held to the same financial obligations, academic performance expectations, and consequences for both success and failure as all other students. Please refer to the Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) for Student with Disabilities (PDF) document for more information regarding the Individualized Education Program (IED) and other college/university course enrollment related information.
Housing - Students who wish to live on campus in a dorm are traditionally not allowed to, as high school students are ineligible to live on a college campus. However, some universities may provide a waiver to ASCENT students to access housing, but housing costs are not covered by the ASCENT program.

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