I Am a Teacher/District Staff

The College Credit in High School (CCHS) program at MSU Denver partners with Colorado school districts and high schools to expand access to higher education. Through these partnerships, districts can offer students rigorous, university-level coursework that aligns with their graduation requirements and career pathways. 

By collaborating with MSU Denver, schools create meaningful academic bridges that help students: 

• Experience college expectations and success early. 

• Earn transferable college credits before graduation. 

• Build momentum toward degree completion and workforce readiness. 

MSU Denver provides districts and teachers with the resources, training, and administrative support needed to maintain high-quality concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities that meet state and university standards. 

Partnership models & opportunities  

MSU Denver’s College Credit in High School (CCHS) program offers flexible partnership models that allow districts and high schools to design programs that best serve their students’ needs. Each partnership is built on collaboration, academic integrity, and shared goals for student success. 

Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships

Districts may establish agreements that enable high school instructors approved and supported by MSU Denver faculty to teach university-level courses at the high school. These partnerships expand access and allow students to earn both high school and college credit in a familiar learning environment. 

Dual Enrollment Partnerships

Schools can also collaborate with MSU Denver to allow students to take courses directly on the university campus or online. This model exposes students to the full college experience, while maintaining district-level coordination for student support and registration. 

Specialized Pathway Programs

Districts may partner with MSU Denver to develop focused pathways such as teacher preparation through TREP, or programs in business, STEM, or health professions. These tailored options help students explore specific career fields and continue seamlessly into MSU Denver degree programs. 

Benefits for Districts and Teachers: 

• Strengthen college and career readiness outcomes for students. 

• Expand professional opportunities for qualified high school instructors through university collaboration. 
• Create clear, affordable college pathways that align with state and local education initiatives. 

Roles & responsibilities  

Successful partnerships between MSU Denver and participating schools rely on clear roles and open communication. Both the university and district share responsibility for ensuring academic quality, compliance with state policy, and student support. 

MSU Denver Responsibilities

• Approve instructors and course syllabi to maintain university standards. 

• Provide academic oversight and faculty liaisons for concurrent enrollment courses. 

• Offer training, resources, and professional development for instructors. 

• Support enrollment, advising, and technical processes for students. 

District and School Responsibilities

• Identify eligible students and guide them through the enrollment process. 

• Support instructors teaching MSU Denver courses in the high school. 

• Ensure compliance with local and state concurrent enrollment requirements. 

• Communicate with MSU Denver staff about scheduling, course offerings, and student outcomes. 

Shared Goals

Both partners work collaboratively to provide equitable access, maintain academic rigor, and foster smooth transitions for students from high school to college.

Funding & Agreements  

Each partnership with MSU Denver is built through a formal agreement that outlines funding, course delivery, and program responsibilities. These agreements ensure consistency, transparency, and compliance with Colorado’s Concurrent Enrollment legislation. 

• For Concurrent Enrollment, districts typically cover student tuition based on state reimbursement models. 

• Dual Enrollment agreements may involve tuition payments by families or districts, depending on the program setup. 

• MSU Denver collaborates with districts to set course rates, ensure accessibility, and streamline billing and registration. 

Agreement Components 

• Course approval and instructor credentialing process. 

• Student eligibility and registration procedures. 

• Roles in academic support, grading, and data reporting. 

• Funding, billing, and reimbursement terms. 

These agreements strengthen accountability and help schools deliver college-level opportunities that meet both district goals and university expectations.

Support & professional development  

MSU Denver is committed to building strong partnerships through continued support and professional growth for participating educators. 

Instructor Support:
Concurrent Enrollment instructors receive ongoing guidance from MSU Denver faculty mentors, access to departmental resources, and professional learning opportunities designed to align high school and university standards. 

Professional Development: 

• Annual training sessions on course delivery, assessment, and student engagement. 

• Workshops and networking events to connect instructors across disciplines. 

• Opportunities for collaboration with MSU Denver faculty to enhance curriculum alignment. 

Program Coordination Support:
District coordinators and counselors receive access to MSU Denver staff for assistance with registration, advising, and compliance questions. 

By working together, districts and MSU Denver ensure that teachers are well-prepared, students are well-supported, and the program continues to uphold the highest standards of academic quality.