ASCENT

ASCENT stands for Accelerating Students through Concurrent ENrollmenT. The program extends high school for an ASCENT year at one of eleven Colorado Mountain College (CMC) campuses, Colorado Mesa University (CMU), CMU Tech, or University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

The ASCENT program participants remain students of Eagle County School District for up to one school year following their 12th grade year, and Eagle County School District receives ASCENT specific per-pupil state funding that it uses to pay their college tuition at CMC, CMU, CMU Tech, or UCCS for the fall and spring semester. The program does not pay for books, fees, or room and board expenses during the ASCENT year.

ASCENT students participate in all of their school's graduation activities, including the ceremony, with classmates at the end of their 12th grade year. However, ASCENT students receive their high school diplomas at the end of their ASCENT year with the corresponding date of the time of completion.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Jim Thompson

ASCENT Counselor

Shannon Grant

Postsecondary Learning & Career Readiness Director

Eligibility

Students who are interested in enrolling in the ASCENT Program must meet the below requirements. Students should contact Mr. Jim Thompson or their school counselor for more information.

Complete (or be on track to complete) at least nine (9) credit hours of transcripted college course work by the end of 12th grade.
Be no more than 21 years old.
Meet the requirements of Colorado Mountain College, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado Mesa University Tech, or University of Colorado Colorado Springs for each course.

Registration

Financial Provisions / Tuition

APPLICATION

The application window will close on Friday, April 18, 2025.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will my grades for my ASCENT courses show up on my high school AND college transcripts?

If I decide to apply to a four-year university as an ASCENT student, do I need to apply as a first-year applicant or as a transfer student?

What is required for the ICAP plan that I need to submit as part of my application?

For a 2025 ICAP (Individual Career & Academic Plan), please consult your school counselor or Mr. Thompson for the materials needed from the Xello platform. Your ICAP portfolio will be reviewed to determine what aspects of the ICAP need to be completed and uploaded to your ASCENT digital folder. Other forms of ICAPs can be considered as a part of the review process.

If I am eligible and submit an application, does that mean that I am required to participate in ASCENT?

If I am selected as an ASCENT student, will I be eligible for other types of financial aid in addition to ASCENT?

It depends. ASCENT students are not eligible for any federal student financial aid while an ASCENT student, however they may qualify and be eligible for local scholarships, which may be applied to expenses not covered under ASCENT. After completing the ASCENT year, students can qualify for and apply for federal financial aid.

In considering any other sources of financial aid including local scholarship providers, students must disclose that they are pursuing ASCENT and consult with both the scholarship provider and a counselor to verify one's eligibility for the additional financial aid.

If the student does not disclose the receipt of other financial aid while an ASCENT student, the student may lose ASCENT funding depending on the other source(s) of funding. The sources of student aid are reviewed internally at CMC, CMU, CMU Tech, and UCCS as part of the financial evaluation of each student.

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