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 became official on Thursday, Oct. 9 when APS and CU Denver leaders met at Aurora Central High School 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."