Pathways to Possible

Mission Statement

The MSU Denver Pathways to Possible (P2P) program is designed to recruit underserved high school students and support them on their pathway to college success. Pathways to Possible Success Coaches and Peer Mentors work with students to navigate the hurdles that come with transitioning into college, and seek to support students as they find their communities on campus, decide what to study, and explore their identities.

We are seeking students who are: 

• Committed to self-growth 
• Community oriented
• Utilize their resources
• Value diversity & equity 

Pathways to Possible is a college support and retention program dedicated to supporting high school students to and through their journey at Metropolitan State University of Denver.  

Program Components: During High School  

Peer Health Exchange: As early as the 9th grade, students in partner high schools will have access to college mentors using the innovative Peer Health Exchange model to provide virtual support for students struggling to connect, persist, and manage their wellbeing.   

College Credit: Pathways to Possible Program offers access to dual enrollment courses to partners schools. Concurrent enrollment provides the opportunity for helping students begin to accrue college credit well before they matriculate at MSU Denver.    

MSU Admissions Application Support: A Pathways to Possible Admissions Counselor will be assigned to each school and will support prospective students with college coaching, admissions application support and begin to craft a cohort of students who will be guaranteed admission to MSU Denver as Pathways to Possible program participant. 

Transition to College – Smoothing the transition to MSU Denver 

High School Graduation to Freshman Year: P2P scholars will spend the summer between high school graduation and their first Fall at MSU Denver in a summer bridge experience, taking a 2-credit Student Success Seminar combined with robust pre-orientation activities to build social and academic skills they can use to start the fall semester with confidence.

Freshman Year to Graduation: P2P scholars will work closely with their Success Coaches to determine the paths to their goals. They’ll learn to make the most of their strengths, take advantage of the opportunities MSU Denver has to offer, and build a community of peers to help them throughout their journey. Scholars will also have opportunities to explore career options, get support finding on-campus employment, and encouragement to pursue internships and networking opportunities in their field of interest.

Each Pathways to Possible Recruiter works in different districts throughout the state of Colorado. To determine which recruiter to contact, find your school in the drop down below.

Applications to the Pathways to Possible program will be opening soon for the class of 2023. Follow the steps below to ensure you receive your invitation to apply!

1. Apply and be admitted to MSU Denver
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CASFA (this application replaces MSU’s DAIA application)
3. Eligible students who have completed the first two steps will automatically be invited to apply via email, so keep an eye out for our application link in the email you use to apply to MSU Denver
4. Submit by the Priority Deadline of March 1st, 2023 to have the best chance at being accepted into the program

What Should I expect in the application?

Our application will ask you to speak to our program’s values as they relate to your experiences, including two short essay questions. We ask our applicants to highlight in their essays their commitment to self growth, orientation to serving their community, ability to utilize their resources, and their value for diversity and equity.

The easier it is for our reviewers to determine how well you highlight our values, the more likely it is that you will be accepted into the program.

Our cohorts are limited to 285 students each year, so the earlier you submit your application the more likely it will be that there are still spots available for you.

 

When will I hear about my application?

Our Priority Deadline for submitting Applications is March 1st. While we hope to respond to most applicants who apply early prior to this date, we intend to have all applicants that meet our priority deadline contacted before the end of March.

Students who are accepted into the program will then be asked to register for one of our Pathways to Possible specific Orientations, where students can gain early access to their fall course registration, and have first pick of their Success Seminar section.

Accepted students will also be asked to meet with their Success Coach to confirm their acceptance, and to ensure that all steps to begin the program in the summer are completed. You will receive a message with directions and a deadline for scheduling this meeting to confirm your acceptance.

 

• A financial stipend awarded every year that you participate
• Scholarship covering the cost of the Student Success Seminar
• Leadership Development Opportunities
• A dedicated Student Success Coach to help guide your progress 
• Paid internship opportunities
• Campus Employment opportunities
• Opportunity to connect with career professionals of your choice  
• Connection to faculty  
• Support building your career path