Colorado Springs Pre-Collegiate Programs
About the Program
Colorado Springs Pre-Collegiate Programs
The Pre-Collegiate Support and Success Center (PCSSC) is an academic and social-emotional enrichment program for prioritized middle and high school students in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. We prepare first-generation, low-income, and military-dependent students to pursue their postsecondary goals.
About Us
We encourage each other to explore, dream, and achieve.
Pre-Collegiate champions and cultivates an equitable and welcoming community for scholars and families.
We collaboratively create space for youth to explore, dream, and achieve postsecondary and career opportunities through mentorship, expanding personal and life skills, and utilizing a growth mindset.
Pre-Collegiate advocates for inclusive practices at UCCS, partnering organizations, and in the workforce.
Pre-Collegiate Learning Objectives for Scholars and Families
- Students will harness academic skills and success strategies.
- Students will know & advocate for themselves.
- Students will develop & demonstrate life skills.
- Families will be equipped with knowledge and support in helping their scholars navigate the PCDP objectives & their post-secondary journey.
- Students will describe & explore educational systems, their post-secondary options, and how to navigate & pursue opportunities.
We work primarily with schools in the Colorado Springs area but also serve most rural schools in El Paso County. We also work in Pueblo.
Scholars are recruited in 7th to 11th grade and can participate in the program through high school graduation. We expect a multi-year commitment. Our program is offered at no cost to participants.
Accomplishing Our Mission
We accomplish our mission through monthly, after-school on-campus workshops led by college students and professional staff where scholars learn about college preparation and success, soft skills, and self-advocacy; and engage in career exploration. During our Summer Academic Institute in June, students participate in dual enrollment college credit courses, math and writing preparation, community service, and career fairs. Through our quarterly College Experience Program, they visit different types of college campuses while learning what makes each one unique.
Families are an influential and valuable resource in their scholars’ pursuit of secondary and post-secondary opportunities. Families of Pre-Collegiate scholars have opportunities to participate in sessions to help support scholars throughout the year. We host quarterly Family Support Workshops and other events for families to become a stronger resource in helping their scholars navigate the journey from middle school, through high school and into college.
Family Support Workshop topics include information and advice regarding college and career choices, financial aid, applying for scholarships, social-emotional support, and tips to support scholars with academic success. We also regularly solicit ideas from families for additional content.
More resources
- Completed Application – The application should be completed after attending an information session.
- Fall and Spring Grade Report - Students will email their grade report to pcdp@uccs.edu. We will accept official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, or a screenshot of learning management systems (ex: Power School, Infinite Campus, Schoology, etc.) The grade report must show the student's name and the date of the report.
- One recommendation from a Teacher – The teacher must teach one of the following content areas: English/Literature, Math, Science, or Social Studies. Applicants should share the website link to our online Recommendation Form with the teacher recommending them.
- Personal Interview - Applicants may be asked to schedule a 10-15 minute interview with Pre-Collegiate staff.
What happens after a student applies?
Students selected for the Pre-Collegiate Program are notified and invited to join a MANDATORY New Scholar Orientation in January. Attendance is crucial for the student and for at least one family member or guardian.
At Orientation, they will learn about our expectations and what we offer scholars each year and receive a New Scholar Handbook. At this point, scholars will indicate if they feel they are ready to commit to being in our program.
- Recommitment Form - Scholars who are transitioning from the Middle School Pre-Collegiate Development Program into the High School Development Program must submit a Recommitment Form.
- Grade Reports - Scholars must submit the most current grade reports. PCSSC accepts official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, or a screenshot of learning management systems (ex: Power School, Infinite Campus, Schoology, etc.) The grade report must show the scholar's name and the date of the report.