ASCENT

ASCENT stands for Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment. ASCENT is a fifth-year program that allows high school seniors to earn up to one year of free college credits by remaining enrolled in high school and taking a fifth year of classes consisting entirely of college courses at a postsecondary campus. College tuition is paid for by Englewood Schools at the community college rate.
 
Any eligible student may participate in ASCENT.
 
What are the benefits of ASCENT?
  • One full year of college tuition and fees are paid for!
  • Save time and money on college – between $5,000-$8,000, depending on the program.
  • Wrap-around student support services: 
    • Advising
    • Financial aid and scholarship support
    • Job search, resume, cover letter, mock interview support
    • Transferring from one college to another (in state or out of state)
    • Letter of recommendation 
    • Course scheduling
    • Career counseling 
 

ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for the ASCENT program, a student must:
  • Be under 21 years of age.
  • Be enrolled as a full-time high school student in Englewood Schools.
  • Be a senior in their fourth year of high school when applying for the program.
  • Be on track to complete all graduation requirements upon the completion of the 12th grade year.
  • Complete and pass 9 credit hours of college coursework by the end of senior year (1000-level or higher Concurrent Enrollment course with a C or better and listed on a student’s high school and college transcripts; AP courses may also count toward the 9 credits with specific exam scores).
  • Have applied to and have been accepted into a qualified Colorado college/university. 
  • Meet all prerequisites for the course(s), including required test scores, and not be in need of any basic skills/remediation coursework in their selected pathway.
  • Have an updated Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) with your high school counselor.
  • Apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF).
  • Submit the FAFSA or CASFA financial aid application.
  • Have not participated in the ASCENT program in previous years.

PARTICIPATION PROCESS

1. Complete the online ASCENT Student Application by Thursday, April 10, 2025.

2. Student qualifications will be reviewed by the district. Students will receive official notification of program acceptance or denial via email from the district by the third week in April.

3. The acceptance letter will include instructions for next steps including completing the ASCENT Student/Parent-Guardian Agreement Form.

MORE INFORMATION