Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.

• 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
  • Email [email protected]
  • Email Subject Line: Date/Name/Absent.
  • Absentee emails must be sent the day before or the day of programming.  If an email is not sent, your absence will be considered unexcused.
  • Students with more than one unexcused absence will be deemed ineligible and removed from the 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.

Middle School Attendance Policy

• Attendance Requirement:
  • All participants are expected to attend every scheduled program session.
• Absences & Completion
  • Any absence, excused or unexcused, counts as a missed session. After three absences, participants will be withdrawn from the program.
  • Participants must maintain at least 80% attendance to be eligible for a Certificate of Completion.
• Withdrawal Notification
  • After their third absence, participants will be notified via email confirming their withdrawal.
• Reapplication
  • Withdrawn participants may reapply when applications reopen each August.
  • Reinstatement during the current program year is not available.
• Commitment Reminder
  • Before applying, participants must review all program dates and commit to full attendance.

• Scholars and Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will arrange for travel to and from the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and CU Denver Campus (Seniors Only).
• Scholars and Parent(s)/Guardian(s) can choose to self-transport.
  
• Campus Shuttle at the Fitzsimons Station
• RTD Transportation
  • An RTD trip planner can be found here.
  • Campus RTD stops can be found here.
  • RTD fair prices, 3-Hour Passes, Day Passes, or Ticket Books can be found and purchased here.
• Ride Share Services
  • Scholars and Parent(s)/Guardian(s) can choose to ride share with family or friends.
  • Lyft for rideshare information can be found here.
  • Participants may utilize other ridesharing services, such as Uber, but know that the university does not contract with ride-sharing services.
• Travel resources may be available on a case-by-case basis.
• Parent(s)/Guardians, please inform the CUPS if your scholar will be using a ride share service.

• Current email scholar or parent(s)/guardian(s) frequently use and check.
• CUPS High School Track uses BAND for communication with scholars and parent(s)/guardian(s)
• Please check your email and the BAND app regularly for program updates.
• The CUPS program will use the email address(es) in the application for communication.