The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and Littleton Public Schools (LPS) will sign an agreement on Wednesday, May 13—which will expand college access and opportunities for LPS students—and establish a clear, supportive pathway for students to transition from high school to a four-year university.
At the core of the partnership is direct admission to CU Denver for eligible LPS juniors and seniors who maintain a weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher. This commitment is paired with comprehensive support to remove financial and logistical barriers for students and their families.
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity for our students and families. We want every student to graduate with a strong plan for their future, and this agreement with CU Denver creates another meaningful pathway for students to pursue their goals with confidence. We are grateful for CU Denver’s collaboration and commitment to supporting LPS students beyond graduation.” Dr. Todd Lambert, Superintendent.
LPS and CU Denver share the same commitment and passion to serve students by expanding opportunities, advancing social mobility, and helping students achieve long-term success that will change their lives and those of their families and communities.
CU Denver ranks No. 1 in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region for boosting students’ social mobility and earning potential, delivering one of the strongest returns on investment for graduates. This is the fourth such agreement for CU Denver.
“As the state’s premier public urban research institution, this direct admissions agreement with LPS reflects our commitment to lead not only with words, but through action,” said CU Denver Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen. “Guided by our public service obligation, we are creating meaningful, accessible pathways into higher education in order to deliver real value to our students, their families, and the communities we serve. It’s our hope that more Littleton graduates than ever will see themselves in higher education—and gain access to the transformational power and expanded economic mobility that a CU Denver degree makes possible.”
A total of 128 LPS alumni were enrolled at CU Denver this spring and another 74 have already committed to the university for the fall ’26 term.
The agreement is effective immediately and will begin supporting the current cohort of LPS juniors and seniors.
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About Littleton Public Schools
Littleton Public Schools, located just south of downtown Denver, serves approximately 13,000 students across 10 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools, alternative programs, preschool, and charter schools. Known for its “Big enough to serve you; small enough to know you” culture, LPS is committed to ensuring 100 percent of students graduate prepared for meaningful postsecondary opportunities. With strong community support, experienced educators, comprehensive student programming, and a focus on academic excellence and student well-being, LPS provides a premier education in a safe, inclusive, and future-focused environment.
About the University of Colorado Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We’re the state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of their life and career—for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $665 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.
