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ASCENT
UPDATE May 2025:
SB25-315 has repealed the ASCENT Program after the 2025-26 budget year, effective June 30, 2026. Questions about the ASCENT Program should be directed to Erica Ryan in the Office of Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness.
The PWR of ASCENT
Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) is a fifth-year high school program that allows students to participate in concurrent enrollment the year after 12th grade, to enroll in postsecondary courses and earn college credit at no tuition cost to them or their families. Additional costs, such as textbooks, fees, and transportation, are not required by the district to cover, though some do. Students who wish to live on campus in a dorm are traditionally not allowed to, as high school students are ineligible to live on a college campus. However, some universities may provide a waiver to ASCENT students to access housing, but housing costs are not covered by the ASCENT program.
Qualified students who have completed at least 9 credit hours of postsecondary coursework prior to completion of their 12th grade year may be eligible for the ASCENT Program. See more eligibility requirements.
Students & Parents: please check with your high school counselor for specific information regarding how your school district administers the ASCENT Program.
Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness (PWR)
ASCENT provides an accelerated opportunity for students to earn a postsecondary credential, helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be postsecondary and workforce ready.
Annual Report on Dual and Concurrent Enrollment
- Annual Report on Dual and Concurrent Enrollment in Colorado (includes state-wide ASCENT data)
- Previous Annual Concurrent Enrollment Reports
Funding
ASCENT participants remain students in their Local Education Provider (LEP) for one year following their 12th grade year. The LEP receives ASCENT specific per-pupil state funding that it uses to pay their college tuition at the resident community college rate. Students receive their high-school diplomas at the end of their ASCENT year. [C.R.S. § 22-35-108]
Participation
| Year | Students | Male | Female | FRL | White | Hispanic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 736 | 42% | 58% | 31% | 50% | 36% | 14% |
| 2023-24 | 1,353 | 45% | 55% | 34% | 50% | 38% | 12% |
| 2024-25 | 2,144 | 45% | 55% | 35% | 53% | 36% | 11% |
| 2025-26 | 1,627 | 46% | 54% | 31% | 54% | 35% | 11% |
| Year | Districts | Urban/Suburban | Rural/Small Rural |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 44 | 26 | 18 |
| 2023-24 | 49 | 29 | 20 |
| 2024-25 | 60 | 31 | 29 |
| 2025-26 | 49 | 31 | 18 |
Contact
Erica Ryan
E-mail: ryan_e@cde.state.co.us