Any scholar in Colorado entering grades 6-12 may apply to the CUPS program.
Scholars Interested in healthcare, research, STEAM, and post-secondary education may apply to the CUPS program.
Scholars who remain active in the program will automatically matriculate the following year. Those who do not will need to reapply.
The CUPS application is open from August 1 to November 1 annually.
Scholars accepted into our program are notified each year by the end of January and onboarded by the end of February.
An email address the scholar and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) frequently use and check.
The CUPS program will use the email address(es) in the application for communication.
Two Essay Prompts:
Why do you want to be in CUPS? (250-300 words, do not exceed 300 words)
What aspect of the program is most appealing and why? (250-300 words, do not exceed 300 words)
The CUPS application is open from August 1 to November 1 annually.
Scholars accepted into the CUPS program will be notified annually by December 31.
Scholars will be onboarded into the program by the end of January.
January mandatory Parent/Guardian & Scholars Orientation
The program begins annually in June.
The CUPS program does not require an interview to participate in the program.
The program is free.
The program costs scholars and parent(s)/guradian(s) is time and commitment.
Resources may be available for travel on a case-by-case basis.
Scholars are encouraged to prioritize the CUPS program Summer Intensive and monthly Saturday Academies. Please see the CUPS Program Dates.
Middle and High School Scholars must meet an 80% attendance requirement* to maintain participation, to be considered an active participant, and receive certification of completion.
*Including Summer Intensive, Saturday Academies, and Senior college bearing course.
Seniors will have Saturday Academies every Saturday for the Fall and Spring Semesters, earning credits from CU Denver.
What is the maximum cohort size?
Each grade level (6th -12th grade cohort) has a maximum capacity of 30 scholars.
Do current scholars keep their spot?
Yes. When the CUPS application opens, current scholars are given priority re-enrollment and may retain their spot for the next grade level.
Are there openings each year
We anticipate approximately 5-15 open spots per grade level, depending on re-enrollment.
The 6th-grade cohort has the most availability.
Admission to the program is competitive due to the limited number of open spots, especially for the 12th-grade cohort.
Alternative Admissions
We are unable to accommodate requests for alternative admissions. All admissions decisions are made on a first-apply, first-admitted basis, subject to availability.
We are unable to accommodate requests for families/siblings. All admissions decisions are made on a first-apply, first-admitted basis, subject to availability.
There are no circumstances for us to accomodate request for altnerative admissions
CUPS Prarent(s)/Guradian(s) FAQ
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are recommended to review the CUPS program information and date before applying to the program and upon the scholar's acceptance to the CUPS Program.
Please encourage your scholars to prioritize the CUPS program Summer Intensive, monthly Saturday Academies, and Orientation.
Please see the CUPS Program Dates. Please arrange travel to ensure your scholar meets the active participation requirement.
High School Attendance Policy
All Scholars are required to participate in all aspects of orientation and programming.
Scholars must check in each day of programming.
You remain an active participant in our program by participating, as we track participation.
If you will be absent, you must proactively email the CUPS Staff
