CSU Access Center

Alliance Partnership

Programs for Students

​CSU Alliance Partnership
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The Alliance Partnership unites students, families, high school personnel, and the Colorado State University community in a common goal: to envision education beyond high school and send a greater number of Colorado students to college. By working together, we can elevate the expectation of students and their families regarding the importance, access and attainability of higher education.
Our goal is work together with your community to raise the expectation that all students can pursue an education beyond high school. We listen to the needs of each community and respond by providing the necessary tools and resources to students, families, and schools.

10 Years of AllianceThe Alliance partnership was created in September 2006 under the guidance of Mary Ontiveros, who is now the Vice President for Diversity.  10 Alliance Partner High Schools were identified based on a number of factors including:

• the percentage of students eligible for the free or reduced lunch program
• racial and ethnic makeup of the student population
• number of students who represent the first generation in their family to attend college
• schools that represented diverse geographic regions of the state

The first Alliance high school graduates enrolled at Colorado State University in fall 2007. Since then, our partner high schools have identified their needs and CSU has responded with programs and resources. Out of this partnership have emerged the Alliance Partnership Award, Alliance College Access Events, Family Visit Days, Summer Programs and more. The Partnership continues to evolve as more Alliance high school students embrace the vision of pursuing their education beyond high school.
Alliance Partnership High SchoolsTen public high schools in Colorado were specifically chosen by Colorado State University to be Alliance schools. Each of these schools sign a yearly Memorandum of Understanding outlining the principles and agreement for collaboration between the school and Colorado State University. We are proud to join efforts with:

• Fort Lupton High School
• Adams City High School in Commerce City
• Hinkley High School in Aurora
• Sierra High School in Colorado Springs
• Central High School in Pueblo
• Rocky Ford Junior-Senior High School
• John Mall High School in Walsenburg
• Trinidad High School
• Centauri High School in La Jara
• Montezuma-Cortez High School in Cortez

​There are additionally feeder middle schools whose students will become a part of the Alliance Partnership High Schools upon completion are:Alliance Partnership Feeder Middle Schools Alliance Partnership Awards
Colorado State University is committed to increasing attendance and retention for students admitted from Alliance Partnership high schools who choose to attend CSU. A key component of this commitment is the Alliance Partnership Award. Students from Alliance schools will receive a base award of $4,000 per academic year. A companion award, the Alliance Transfer Award, is also available for Alliance high school graduates who attend a Colorado community college prior to transferring to Colorado State University.
For more information on this scholarship and how to apply please visit the Financial Aid Website

Talent Search

The TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) program advises middle and high school students through the college admission, transition, and graduation process.  Participants of Talent Search are involved in academic goal-setting, career exploration sessions, and college admission and financial aid workshops.
Services offered through Educational Talent Search are free and offered during the school day in conjunction with their academic schedule.  Participants meet approximately twice per month with their assigned ETS advisor for on-going mentorship and guidance for academic success.
Students who demonstrate the following criteria are considered for priority admission to ETS:

• Students in which neither parent has completed a four-year degree
• Students whose family demonstrates limited income: For example you qualify for free or reduced price lunches at your school
• Is a US citizen or permanent resident of the US (and)
• Demonstrates a need for program services in order to pursue a post secondary college education

Optional low-cost summer trips are offered to ETS participants to enhance the awareness of postsecondary options.  In all situations, we are committed to working with families so that Educational Talent Search students may enjoy the benefits of the program without financial hardship.
Application EMAIL- Daniel.Banuelos@colostate.edu for an Application
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Upward Bound

The TRIO Upward Bound (UB) program at CSU is a federally-funded grant sponsored by the Department of Education.  UB Participants receive one-on-one mentoring from professional staff advisors to guide them through post-secondary admission and financial aid processes.
Upward Bound focuses on identifying qualified youth who are low-income and potential first-generation college students in order to support and encourage them in pursuit of post-secondary enrollment.  Staff assist high school students in developing academic, social, and leadership skills in order to prepare them for post-secondary rigors, success and graduation.   EMAIL Karla Banda for an Application-- Karla.Lerma_Banda@colostate.edu
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CU Pre-Collegiate Program

​The Pre-Collegiate Development Program (PCDP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is an institutionally-funded academic enhancement program for targeted middle and high school students. It is designed to motivate and prepare first generation students in pursuit of their higher education goals. PCDP is structured to ensure that students are academically prepared to enroll and be successful at the University of Colorado or any postsecondary institution of the student's choice.
Purpose of the Program

• Provide academic enhancement strategies and opportunities
• Provide college/career exploration opportunities
• Provide leadership development opportunities
• Establish collaboration with parents, counselors, and community
• Provide parents with the tools to assist in the educational endeavors of their student
• Facilitate higher education opportunities
• Provide opportunities to learn about new subjects and to acquire better study skills
• Preparatory assistance for college entrance exams
• Assistance with college admissions and financial aid applications
• Referrals to campus resources
• Required Summer Residential Program for eligible students who have completed their junior year in high school ​