College Pathways
By attending this type of school, you typically earn an Associate's Degree (2-years). They also offer shorter certificate programs!
What is community college?
(T/F)
The price you see for a program is what YOU HAVE TO pay, no exceptions.
What is False?
Hours of community service required to graduate
What are 10 hours?
Three pieces that can help you determine whether a school is good for you.
What are academic fit, social fit, and financial fit?
The amount of money a person needs to pay for basic needs, such as food and a place to live. Compared to the US, Denver's is 10% higher.
What is Cost of Living?
By attending this type of school, you typically earn a Bachelor's Degree (4-years).
What is a university or 4-yr college?
Applying for this allows you to receive money from the government, the school, and other scholarships to help you pay for school.
What is financial aid?
FAFSA or CASFA (by eligibility)
All students must apply to at least one _________ and (applicable) _____/_____applications.
What are community college and (applicable) FAFSA/CASFA applications?
One document that holds all application due dates, interests, college-specific information, and more to help you keep your applications organized.
What is a college tracker?
Statistics show that salary and employment generally ________ with a post-secondary degree, credential, certificate.
What is increases?
This type of college focuses on one specific program/certification at a time. Programs are usually shorter and flexible.
What is a trade/technical school?
These DO NOT need to be paid back.
What are scholarships and grants?
Application materials that accompany a job application, may also be submitted for academic opportunities.
There are scholarships to help cover the cost of school; sometimes you may need more. The earlier you start this, the more prepared you may be to start your classes!
What is financial planning?
The average salary for trade occupations in Colorado.
What is $70,608?
This type of pathway follows an "Earn while you learn" model. The company you work for PAYS YOU while THEY also TEACH YOU to do the work. Perfect for students who want to work right away.
What is an APPRENTICESHIP?
DSF scholarship amounts
$1,700 to trade or community colleges
$3,600 to a four-year college/university
This is good practice before the real version to help familiarize yourself with the process. This also helps you practice your answers thoughtfully.
What is a mock interview?
This document helps you keep track of financial opportunities. This keeps your scholarship/financial opportunities organized, so you don't miss important deadlines.
What is a scholarship tracker?
Denver's estimated salary needed to afford the cost of living.
(single person, no children)
What is $57,013?
When we are planning your next steps and talking about college, we are referring to this.
*Hint: our definition of "College"
What is any path after high school that furthers your education in a specific field or program where you earn a degree, credential, certificate, etc. that allows you to earn more money?
Requirements to receive the DSF scholarship
2.0 GPA
All 4 years in a DPS high school (or since being in CO)
Demonstrate financial aid (SAI 16,640)
Attend one of our 30+ partner colleges
Someone not related to you who can speak to your skills, character, and goals may write this for you. Best practice is to ask in advance, ask someone who knows you well, and explain why you need it.
What is a letter of recommendation?
It's not ____ you know, but ___ you know.
It's not what you know, but who you know!
Your support systems, your networks, and connections. Reach out for help, express your goals; you never know who is listening.
Making an ________ ________ is the best way to ensure you're making the best choice for YOU. Our job is to help you gather the information for this.
What is an informed decision?
"Data illustrate that college is a smart investment, but your monetary success will depend on making informed choices about your field of study, institution, and financing options."