ASCENT Program

This program enables students to take college classes while Boulder Valley School District pays their college tuition (see below for tuition details). With advance planning, it is possible for students to finish the ASCENT Program with an Associate’s Degree or an industry certificate. BVSD will also cover the costs of fees and most required course materials.

Students must: 

• Remain enrolled at the high school for a fifth year (they do not attend classes at the high school) 
• Be under the age of 21. 
• Be on track to meet all high school graduation requirements by the end of their 4th year.
• Have completed, or be on track to complete at least 9 credit hours of college coursework prior to the end of their 4th year of high school. 
• Not be in need of basic skills or remedial course work as defined by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education’s (CCHE) remedial education policy. 
• Complete an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) in Naviance. 
• Complete the FAFSA/CASFA. 
• Apply to and be accepted at one of our partner colleges/universities.
• Have not participated in the ASCENT program in previous years.

Students who graduate prior to the end of their 4th year of high school are not eligible for ASCENT.

No. The following students should not participate: 

• Students who want to attend college out of state their freshman year. 

• Students who want to play inter-collegiate sports (NCAA) their freshman year. 

• Students wishing to attend a college that is not one of BVSD's ASCENT Partners.

• Students who qualify for federal financial aid (federal grants and scholarships) that exceeds funds covered by ASCENT and BVSD (tuition, books and fees).  For example, some students may benefit from accepting a federal Pell Grant rather than participate in ASCENT, as Pell Grants generally cover an entire year’s expense at local community colleges or four year colleges. Also, students receiving full scholarships that cover tuition, books and fees should not participate in ASCENT.

Funding for ASCENT comes from the State of Colorado. Because funding is limited, the state requires all students complete either the FAFSA (if you have a social security number) or the CASFA (for undocumented students).  If a student qualifies for a full federal Pell grant and/or enough scholarships and grants to cover college costs such as tuition, books and fees, then the student should choose the financial aid.  

Usually in March, students can log into their college portal to see what kind of financial aid they qualify for. If you need helping determining what type of aid is best for you, please consult with either a Financial Aid officer at the college or reach out to your Grad+ TOSA or CareerAndCollege@bvsd.org.

Students can not do both federal or state financial aid AND ASCENT. Private scholarships not requiring the students to be a high school graduate may be allowed with ASCENT. Please check with the scholarship provider.

Boulder Valley School District pays a portion of the tuition at the current Colorado Community College rate.  COF (College Opportunity Fund) also pays a portion at most of the colleges. Students must authorize COF be applied to their tuition (usually done through the college application). If COF is not authorized, the student is required to pay this portion of the tuition (in 24-25, COF paid $116/credit).

As long as funds are available, BVSD will also cover college fees associated with attendance and required class materials.

No. BVSD will only pay for tuition, and if funds are available, books and fees. Students will be responsible for paying all other expenses, including but not limited to parking, materials not required for class, meal passes, housing, and transportation.

Students will need to make a final commitment to the program by May 15 of their senior year. 

Yes. It is important for families to weigh all of their financial options before committing to the ASCENT program. It is required by the state of Colorado that all ASCENT applicants complete the FAFSA or CASFA prior to applying.

Students are not eligible for any federal or state financial aid including student loans and grants while participating in ASCENT. Students can receive federal/state aid after they have completed or exited the ASCENT program. 

Upon completion of ASCENT, students are generally considered a 1st year college student, however, some colleges may code the student as a transfer student. This may affect the amount and types of aid available to the student. Please consult with the college financial aid office; policies and practices vary by institution.  

Financial Aid for students who do not make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) their final semester may be negatively impacted. SAP is negatively impacted by W (withdrawals), Ds, Fs, and I (incompletes). Please check with the college you intend to transfer to for more details.

Funding for the ASCENT programs is handled by Boulder Valley School District. This means that students participating in the ASCENT program will remain a BVSD student while in the program. Students are allowed to walk with their class at graduation, however, their diploma and transcript will not show a graduation date until ASCENT is completed (or the student has exited the program).

Yes! Students will still participate in the graduation ceremony with their high school class. At the completion of the ASCENT year, they will receive a high school diploma.

Front Range Community College

Metropolitan State University of Denver

University of Northern Colorado

Aims Community College

Emily Griffith Technical College

Western Colorado University

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

When you apply to ASCENT you will indicate whether you want to participate as either a full time or part time college student.

Students taking 12-18 credits are full time.

Students taking 3-11 credits are part time.

No. BVSD encourages students to take advantage of the financial support for the full year, but a student can stop participating after one semester. If a student drops a class after the drop deadline or before the withdraw deadline (W) or receives a failing grade (“D” or “F”), they will have to petition BVSD to remain in the program.

Students must complete at least one class Fall semester in order to participate Spring semester.

Students may only enroll in Guarantee Transfer courses (see the college catalog 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 industry certificate.

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

Nothing prevents a student 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. Students will be responsible for covering these expenses.

No, a student will be responsible for providing their own transportation.

RTD is continuing indefinitely its program of free fare for students 19 and under on all RTD buses and trains.

If students are interested in the program, they need to see their high school counselor or Grad+ Site Lead right away for more information.  Counselors will work with students to determine if the ASCENT Program is right for them.

• Students may only participate in the ASCENT program for one academic year (Fall and Spring). 

• Student are only eligible for ASCENT the Fall and Spring of the year after their 4th year of high school. In order to participate in spring, students must complete at least one ASCENT class in the fall.

• Because ASCENT students are still BVSD students, they may take classes at FRCC or MSU prior to their ASCENT year and BVSD will pay the tuition. Be sure to complete the CBG Agreement for summer to be approved for summer classes.

• Students will have to apply for and use the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF). 

• The grades a student receives in the college classes will appear on both their high school transcript and college transcript, although ASCENT grades do not figure into the high school GPA.

• Undocumented students can participate in ASCENT.

• When the ASCENT year is over, students may remain at the same college or transfer to another institution.