A Message from the President | University of Colorado

CU . . . soon
Pre-collegiate program a stepping stone to a better life

Too often our youth don't realize that higher education is within their reach and that attaining a college degree can immensely benefit them, their families and community. Too often, they don't have the confidence or the support to realize their potential. You can help us change that. We have a successful college prep program at the University of Colorado that guides middle school and high school students toward their dreams – and we're counting on you to help spread the word.

Last month at the CU Board of Regents meeting, we heard firsthand from students at each of the campuses about how the CU Pre-Collegiate Program has changed their lives. Comments such as Gerardo's were the norm: "The programs have given us self-esteem to go forward and become leaders in our community, in our state and in our country." It was moving and inspirational to hear how these students learned leadership skills, gained confidence and made lifelong connections and friends.

Later in the month, more than 70 people learned about our pre-collegiate curriculum and heard from students in the program at an educational forum at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The event, presented by CU Advocates, was one of the many ways we're working to educate students about their opportunities.

The CU Pre-Collegiate Program builds partnerships and collaborations with parents, schools and the community. Established at CU-Boulder in 1983, the program was adopted across the system in 1987. In fiscal year 2011-12, the program served 886 middle school students and 1,794 high school students. The students are first-generation, meaning that neither parent has received a bachelor's degree.

This short video – created by our film and video students and staff at CU Denver – provides a taste of the remarkable stories and insights that inspired the regents and me at the meeting. I hope you'll watch the video, learn more about the CU Pre-Collegiate Program at this link, and help us spread the word about this important option for first-generation middle and high school students.

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