Pueblo Programs

Pueblo

Pre-Collegiate Programs

About the Program

The Pre-Collegiate Development Program (PCDP) at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), housed at Pueblo Community College (PCC), is an academic enrichment program for middle and high school scholars in Pueblo County.

Any 7th – 12th-grade student is eligible to apply to the PCDP, though the primary focus is on first-generation scholars and military dependents.

Through year-round educational workshops, activities, and events, we prepare scholars academically, personally, and socially to be successful in any path they choose after graduating high school.

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. 

Find Upcoming Pueblo Events

Application Process:
  • Completed Application – The application should be completed after attending an information session.
     
  • Personal Essay - Students will email their essays to pcdp@uccs.edu. Essays should be between 250 and 500 words (1-2 pages). Please be sure to 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.
    • Prompt: Please describe what commitment means to you and discuss how you would show your commitment to Pre-Collegiate if you are accepted into this program. 
       
  • 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. Students must share the link with their recommending teacher.
Program Application
Student Recommitments:
  • Completed 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.
     
  • Fall and Spring Grade Report - Students will upload grade reports in the electronic application directly. 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.
Recommitment Form
Recommendation Form

The teacher must teach one of the following content areas: English/Literature, Math, Science, or Social Studies. Students must share the link with their recommending teacher.

Recommendation Form

Contact us with Questions