Colorado Springs Programs

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.  

Vision Statement:

We encourage each other to explore, dream, and achieve.

Mission Statement:

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.

Objectives:

Pre-Collegiate Learning Objectives for Scholars and Families

  1. Students will harness academic skills and success strategies.  
  2. Students will know & advocate for themselves.  
  3. Students will develop & demonstrate life skills.  
  4. Families will be equipped with knowledge and support in helping their scholars navigate the PCDP objectives & their post-secondary journey.  
  5. 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. 

Middle School
High School
STEM

Middle School Programs

   

Middle School Programs

High School Programs

    

High School Programs

STEM Programs

   

STEM Programs
Application Process:
  • Online Application - It is highly encouraged that applicants and families attend an information session before completing the online application. 
     
  • Students are encouraged to have their mailing address, phone number, personal email address, an estimate of family income or if the student is eligible for free and reduced-price lunch, and their school ID number (sometimes this is the same as a Lunch Number) before starting the application process.
     
  • Essay - Applicants must submit a personal essay to pcdp@uccs.edu, by the application deadline. Essays should be between 150 and 300 words (1-1½ pages) for middle school applicants and between 250 and 500 words (1-2 pages) for high school applicants, using the following prompt:
    • “What does commitment mean to me and how will I show my commitment to Pre-Collegiate if I am accepted into this program?"
    • Only submit work that is of the same quality you would turn in at school, meaning that you should edit your essay to look for typos, and to check for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation before submitting.  
    • Note on essays: We are not looking for a perfect essay. We are looking for an applicant’s best effort at self-expression. Essays can be written in the language that is most comfortable for a student. We actively discourage plagiarism and using assistance. The essay is not the only factor used in determining a student’s acceptance.
       
  • Grade Report - Applicants must submit their most recent grade report essay to pcdp@uccs.edu. We 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 applicant's name and the date of the report.
     
  • Recommendation Letter – Applicants must submit one (1) recommendation letter from a teacher or counselor or someone (not friend or family) who can comment on the applicant's work or academic performance. A link to share with recommenders is provided on the application website. Recommenders may also send letters directly to pcdp@uccs.edu, by the application deadline.

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.   

Student Recommitments:
  • 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.