High School Program

Program Overview

Objectives

During the school year, PCDP students participate in activities which provide them with support and tools to help them reach their college goals.

• Motivation to stay in school and enroll in high school classes that will prepare them for college
• Guidance about educational and financial aid programs, and career options to help them be better prepared to plan for their future  
• Skills development for coping, studying, test-taking, and leadership
• Enhanced appreciation of arts and culture

Eligibility and Responsibilities

• Ninth-graders through high school seniors
• Be a first-generation college student, meaning neither of their biological nor adoptive parents completed a four-year college degree
• Planning to attend college
• Attend a target high school
  
• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average), freshmen students who don’t have a GPA yet but meet the other criteria are encouraged to apply

Students must also meet at least one of the additional requirements.

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

​Responsibilities and Expectations

Our staff is committed to providing our students with every opportunity to develop their academic skills and succeed in their educational journey. But, to get the full benefit from their experiences and fulfill their academic potential, it’s up to the students to actively participate in program activities and commit to their own success.

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

Saturday Academy

During the school year, high school students in the Pre-Collegiate Development Program attend monthly Saturday Academies. The academies focus on teaching enhanced study skills.

• Note-taking
• Preparing for tests
• Effective listening
• Organization
• Time management

Students also develop their leadership and interpersonal skills while receiving guidance on how to prepare for a successful transition into college.

• Understanding the college application process
• Preparing to take college entrance exams
• Applying for financial aid
• College Fair
• Career Fair
  

Summer Programs

Summer Academic Program Before Junior Year

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 an Ethnic Literature course with an emphasis on writing, plus guidance on preparing to take the Math and English SAT college assessment tests.

Summer Academic Program Before Senior Year

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 a number of academic opportunities.

• Accelerated high school math—Algebra II through Calculus
• Chemistry—Chemistry and AP Prep chemistry
• Physics
• College Prep Seminar
• Courses for college credit, with tuition paid by the program—English Composition, English Workshop, and Introduction to Urban Education
  

Application Process

Ready to apply to the CU Denver Pre-Collegiate Development Program for high school students?  

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
• PCDP@ucdenver.edu