Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) is the largest network of colleges and high schools in the state. They announced that nearly three-quarters of their 2021 class of 633 students statewide received a post-secondary degree for free while graduating from high school. Graduates come from across the Front Range, attend CEC Schools and Colorado Community Colleges in Aurora, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Parker, Castle Rock and Inverness and nearby, representing a wide variety of socio-economic status, training and family status.

Early high schools operate differently from other schools offering simultaneous enrollment, allowing students to go further in their college and professional studies. At CEC, there are no restrictions on the number of college credits or the minimum age a student needs to begin swapping high school courses for college courses. In addition, collaborative counseling with student and parents, internships and apprenticeships, and Clifton Strength Finder coaching give CEC students more opportunities to identify a career and pursue it throughout their studies. .

For the 2018-19 academic year, statistics from the Colorado Department of Education show that less than 20% of students statewide attempt dual enrollment, while 73% of CEC 2021 graduates graduated. post-secondary education to include associate’s degrees or industry certifications. In addition, a significant number of CEC students have obtained 60 college credits or more towards a university degree. Almost 50% of the CEC class of 2021 achieved an associate degree during their high school career. The CEC has saved families of their students nearly $ 4 million in tuition and college fees based on average community college credit hour rates.

With the constant increase in tuition fees in higher education institutions in the state and abroad, it becomes increasingly essential for families to seek educational opportunities to help minimize the burden of costs of higher education. Families also need to prepare their students to participate in a rapidly changing workforce.

“We are incredibly proud of our graduate students and our faculty and staff who have supported them during this difficult time,” said Sandi Brown, Executive Director of Colorado Early Colleges. “While headlines show many students falling behind in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, CEC students had the resources they needed to continue to be successful and meet their educational goals. ”

Local achievements of the CEC diploma:

Fort Collins: 233 graduates with more than 10,200 college credits

• 170 undergraduate students
• 88 post-secondary and industrial certifications awarded
• 4 students obtained more than 60 college credits
• 73% of the class obtained a diploma, certificate or more than 60 university credits

For more information on Colorado Early Colleges, visit www.coloradoearlycolleges.org