More Aurora Public Schools (APS) students will be closer to achieving their college dreams thanks to a new partnership with the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver). For APS high school students in their junior year, earning a weighted GPA of 3.0 will guarantee them admission into CU Denver. Seniors will earn admission with a weighted or unweighted GPA of 3.0.
This incredible opportunity for Aurora students will become official on Thursday, Oct. 9, when APS and CU Denver leaders meet to sign the agreement. In addition to guaranteed admission, APS students will also have their application fees waived and receive significant support from CU Denver. The university will coordinate fall college visits to its campus for all APS high schools and will generate a sample financial aid package for all eligible APS students.
“Our new partnership with CU Denver is a game changer for our students,” said APS Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. “Opening doors to more college and career opportunities is an integral part of our work to truly become the destination district. With CU Denver’s emphasis on creating an exceptional learning environment with a diverse student population, we know this will be a great fit for many of our students.”
This partnership reflects both institutions’ commitment to expanding opportunity, advancing social mobility, and helping students and families build lasting success. 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.
“As the state’s premier public urban research institution, we lead by meeting our public service obligation: To make education work for all,” said CU Denver Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen. “With the signing of this agreement, more Aurora Public Schools graduates than ever before will have access to the transformational power that a CU Denver degree makes possible. This partnership is a source of great pride for our university, aligning with our commitment to access-based investments and our pursuit to expand economic mobility.”
More than 500 APS alumni are already enrolled at CU Denver. Becky Palacios Romero, an Aurora Central High School graduate and CU Denver sophomore majoring in International Business, is excited about what the new partnership will mean for her Aurora community.
“I believe that this agreement will bring such a big impact for students at my alma mater since it will create a clear pathway for them to get started in their college success journey,” said Palacios Romero. “It can make a really big difference for them as they navigate college decisions and transitions.”
WHAT: APS & CU Denver sign agreement to guarantee admission for APS students
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 9 @ 2:15 p.m.
WHERE: Aurora Central High School Media Center (11700 E 11th Ave, Aurora, CO 80010)
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE:
- Michael Giles, Jr., APS Superintendent
- Dr. Kenneth T. Christensen, CU Denver Chancellor
- Aurora Central High School students
- Becky Palacios Romero, current CU Denver student who is also an APS graduate
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About Aurora Public Schools
Aurora Public Schools is the fifth largest school district in Colorado. We serve approximately 38,000 students across more than 60 schools. We’re one of the most diverse districts in the state with students from more than 130 countries who speak over 160 languages. We believe that learning opportunities should be as varied and diverse as the world our students live in. Our dedicated teachers and staff work with our community to break down barriers so that students can engage to their fullest potential. To learn more about how APS is a destination district for Aurora families where students are empowered to shape their own paths forward, visit aurorak12.org.
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 $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.
