February 20, 2023 (Denver, CO) – Governor Polis declared February 20-24 as Concurrent Enrollment Week in Colorado today to motivate more students to take college-level classes in high school. As the largest provider of Concurrent Enrollment in the state, the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is celebrating the success of the program and encouraging students to register ahead of the fall semester.  

“Colorado’s Concurrent Enrollment gives students like you a jumpstart on college and life,” said Governor Polis in a message to students. “You’ll earn credit toward your high school diploma, and at the same time, credit towards an associate degree or career and technical education certificate. What could be better than that?”  

Created by the Colorado state legislature in 2009, Concurrent Enrollment allows high school students to take tuition-free, college-level courses that count toward their high school diploma and an associate degree or certificate. Starting as early as 9th grade, high school students enrolled in a public school, charter school, or board of cooperative services (BOCES) can participate if they meet district-specific criteria. Although students may be required to pay for textbooks or additional course materials, tuition costs are fully covered.  

“Concurrent Enrollment programs are booming because they are so effective at building momentum toward college or career goals—especially for those underrepresented in higher education,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of CCCS. “Every parent and student should explore options at their school and talk to their high school counselors to sign up.”      

Collectively, CCCS’s 13 colleges are the state’s largest provider of Concurrent Enrollment, serving over 37,000 students and saving families nearly $40 million in tuition costs each year. Last year, colleges awarded more than 2,600 credentials to Concurrent Enrollment students, who are more likely to earn higher wages within five years compared to their peers, according to a CCCS report.   

“I recommend Concurrent Enrollment classes for every student regardless if they plan on going to college or joining the workforce,” said Sydney Riggenbach, a Durango High School senior. “They provide a welcome change from normal high school classes and improve your study skills significantly.” 

“Concurrent Enrollment was the perfect challenge. It offered me everything from business law to accounting to public speaking,” said Joe Petrelli, a former Arapahoe Community College student who is now studying finance at the University of Colorado Denver. “The standard that Concurrent Enrollment set for me early on shaped how I view college for the rest of my life.”  

To learn more about Concurrent Enrollment and how to register, visit CCCS’ Concurrent Enrollment webpage. There, educators and organizations can download promotional resources—including social media posts, flyers, posters and more—to raise awareness in their schools.   

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About the Colorado Community College System  

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at www.cccs.edu.