ASCENT

By participating in this program, you get to take college classes for a year while Adams 12 pays your college tuition (see below for tuition details). Many students finish the ASCENT Program having completed most of their college general education requirements and some complete an Associates Degree. Students can then remain enrolled at the college to complete their degree or transfer to another college with a significant number of credits already completed. The ASCENT program offers students significant financial savings as they pursue their postsecondary goals.

Adams 12 Five Star Schools will pay tuition at the local community college tuition rate. If you attend a school other than a community college, you will only be eligible for the amount of tuition at the local community college tuition rate. Not all Colorado universities engage in ASCENT programming with school districts. 

The district will only pay for tuition (at the community college rate). You will be responsible for paying all other expenses. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch can request fees/textbooks to be covered by the district.

Yes. Students are not eligible for any federal student financial aid including federal student loans and grants while participating in ASCENT. Students will qualify for federal aid after they have completed or dropped the program. Students may disqualify themselves from certain scholarships or grants since 12 semester hours or more earned in college may cause the student to be classified as a transfer student rather than a freshman.

It is important for families to weigh all of their financial options before committing to the ASCENT program.

Until you complete the 5th year ASCENT program, you will still be classified as a high school student. Your high school transcript will show that you have completed your high school graduation requirements and that you are an ASCENT student for a 5th year. Once you complete, or stop participating in the ASCENT program, you will receive your high school diploma and your transcript will show that you are a high school graduate reflect the ASCENT end date.

Yes! You will still participate in the graduation ceremony and all other senior activities with your high school class. Instead of receiving your diploma, you will receive a certificate stating that you are an ASCENT student for the next school year. At the completion of your ASCENT year, you will receive your high school diploma.

Students may attend college part time. A part time student is defined as someone who is enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours but less than 12 credit hours a semester. -Students may also attend college full time. A full time student is defined as someone who is enrolled in 12 or more credit hours a semester. A student can not start as a part time student in the fall and increase to full time in the spring because funding will be provided at the part time rate for the entire school year. There is no limit to the maximum number of credit hours a student can take unless otherwise restricted per a college’s maximum credit policy. Keep in mind that the ASCENT program should be used for those students that have the goal of attaining college credentials. You are encouraged to enroll in as many courses as you can successfully complete in order to get closer to reaching your goal.

Yes; however, online learning and course delivery is not the right learning environment for all students. Please research and understand the limitations and best practices of online learning prior to enrolling in the program.

No. We encourage you to take advantage of the financial support for the full year, but you can stop participating at the end of a semester. If a student drops classes mid semester, they will need to follow college processes for withdrawing from classes and their academic record will be impacted if the drop date has passed. Final grades, including F and W, will also go on the student's high school transcript.  

Students may only enroll in Guarantee Transfer courses (see your counselor for a list of approved courses) and/or courses that apply to a specific career pathway as indicated in the student’s Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). The courses must apply toward a college degree or certificate.

Students may participate in college activities and club sports, but are not eligible to participate in inter-collegiate athletics. Students who plan to play NCAA athletics should not participate in ASCENT. 

Nothing prevents you from staying in the dorms while taking college classes through ASCENT. However, the cost of room and board is not covered through the ASCENT program. You will be responsible for covering these expenses.

No, you will be responsible for providing your own transportation. 

You will need to make a final commitment to the program in April of your senior year.