High school seniors who have met all D20 graduation requirements and completed at least nine college credit hours may apply for ASCENT. This program allows them to remain enrolled in high school for a fifth year while taking only college courses at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Metropolitan State University of Denver. Seniors who completed the first year of a two-year Career Start program and wish to finish the second year during ASCENT or those who can complete a certificate or associate degree in the fifth year are eligible for ASCENT sponsorship at Pikes Peak State College.
Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, D20 will have a limited number of ASCENT slots, as determined by the state of Colorado. Students who apply by the priority deadline of Jan. 31 will receive priority for the program. If slots remain after this date, applications will be accepted until April 1, when the ASCENT class will be finalized.
Participating in ASCENT
Meet with your grade-level or College and Career Counselor at your high school to ensure that you meet the qualifications for ASCENT. A student may be eligible for ASCENT if the student:
Has completed, or is on track to complete, at least nine credit hours (semester hours or equivalent) of transcripted, credit-bearing, college-level coursework before finishing 12th grade.
Remedial or developmental college courses do not count toward the required credits.
International Baccalaureate (IB), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), prior learning, or experiential courses do not qualify unless they have been converted to transcripted credits on a college transcript.
Is college-ready, and not in need of basic skills coursework per the pathway in which the student is enrolled.
Completes an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) before applying for ASCENT participation.
Applies to and is accepted into a postsecondary degree program at UCCS or MSUD or has been accepted into the second year of a two-year Career Start program at PPSC.
Has been selected for participation by their high school principal or equivalent school administrator and is on track to meet all D20 high school requirements by the end of the 12th grade year.
Has not been designated an ASCENT program participant in any prior year. Students may only participate in ASCENT for one academic year.
Important Considerations
ASCENT students do not graduate from high school until after the ASCENT year. Thus, they are typically ineligible for other types of financial aid or any other opportunity that requires a high school diploma. Depending on your high school, you may be able to walk with your 12th grade graduating class, but ASCENT students will not receive a diploma until after the ASCENT year.
Other financial aid/scholarship opportunities and which ones best meet your postsecondary goals.
The courses/program you plan to complete during the ASCENT year. You will be required to identify your projected course of study as part of the ASCENT application.
Students can only enroll in Guarantee Transfer credit courses, state-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, or specific degree program pathways, including courses related to apprenticeship or internship programs. When applying, students must have a clear idea of the specific course they plan to take.
After the application closes, the College and Career Services office will notify the student regarding their eligibility for ASCENT. If they are accepted into the ASCENT program, D20 will provide information on their next steps, including meeting with a college advisor and registering for courses.
Grades earned in college courses will appear on both the student's high school and college transcripts and will impact the student's high school GPA. If the student receives a D, F, or W in a college course, they will be responsible for repaying any books, fees, or other non-tuition expenses the district covered on their behalf.