TREP FAQs

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TREP FAQs

Eligibility:

Can an early graduate participate in TREP?

No. A student graduating early would not be eligible for TREP.

Per C.R.S. 22-35-108.5(1)(b):

Notwithstanding any provisions of this article 35 to the contrary, a qualified student who is designated by the department to be a TREP program participant pursuant to subsection (2) of this section may concurrently enroll in postsecondary courses in the two years directly following the year in which the participant was enrolled in the twelfth grade of a local education provider.

Since twelfth grade is traditionally a student’s 4th year in high school, then the above language, (the year directly following the 12th grade year), can be interpreted as a student’s 5th year. To calculate a student’s “true” 5th year, the department uses a student’s (AYG) to check that student’s 5th year in reporting, which means, even if a student graduates early, their AYG does not change.

However, the student could remain enrolled at the high school and continue to take full-time concurrent enrollment courses and then enter TREP following the 12th grade year.

There is also a program for early graduates called Path4Ward, that just began in 2022. The application period will open in the fall for the following school year, but it may be something to consider if you have students who are early graduates. More information can be found on CDHE's page.

Can a super senior participate in TREP?

Unfortunately, a student who is a super senior would not be eligible for the TREP program.

Here is what is in statute, 22-35-108.5(1)(b):

Since twelfth grade is traditionally a student’s 4th year in high school, then the above language, (the year directly following the 12th grade year), can be interpreted as a student’s 5th year. To calculate a student’s “true” 5th year, the department uses a student’s anticipated year of graduation (AYG) as a way to check that student’s 5th year in reporting, which means, even if a student repeats a grade, their AYG does not change.

Can a student use a summer school class to qualify for TREP?

No. All courses used to qualify for TREP must be completed and graded by June 30th of the student's 12th grade year.

Can a homeschooled student participate in TREP?

A Colorado home-schooled student must be enrolled/receiving some regular education services with a public school district/charter school to participate in the state concurrent enrollment program, as funding for concurrent enrollment goes to the school district to pay a student's tuition cost.

Please check with a public school district/charter school for more detailed information regarding how that district administers the concurrent enrollment program, including what enrollment means to access concurrent enrollment as they may have specific guidelines and eligibility requirements for a student.

Can a student use an AP score to qualify for TREP?

No. The AP score must be transcribed on the college transcript by the end of the 12th grade year, June 30th. If the AP course was taken in the 12th grade year, it would not be released in time to meet that deadline. However, qualifying scores from previous years can be transcribed on the college transcript for courses in the Educator Pathway.

Does the student need to take a class in the twelfth grade year to be eligible for TREP?

Yes, that requirement is in statute. Per C.R.S. 22-35-108.5 (2):

(“a) Subject to available appropriations, the department may designate as a TREP program participant a qualified student who:

(I) Is following the teaching career pathway created in section 23-60-110 and is on schedule to complete the courses specified in the teaching career pathway for the twelfth grade year and is enrolling in the postsecondary courses identified in the teaching career pathway for the fifth and sixth years."

Which institutions offer the TREP program?

The TREP program falls under the Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act (CEPA), C.R.S. 22-35-101-114, which is a community college program. However, a 4-year institution can participate, if they charge tuition at the resident community college rate and the courses are not offered out of the extended studies office. A signed MOU (memorandum of understanding) for TREP must be in place between the district/charter school and any higher education partner. Please check with your district to see which institutions they have agreements with.

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During TREP:

Can a student take a break between the fall semester of the 5th year and the fall semester of the 6th year?

The enrolled status comes from the Student October Count file. There is nothing in the TREP statute that specifies that a student is required to take courses in both semesters.

However:

The gap between December and the following August may impact the student's incentive to participate in TREP (similar to “summer melt”).
A student cannot enroll as a college student during this break (i.e., spring/summer) and then enroll as an TREP (HS) student in the fall.
This break decreases the number of credits a student can earn while in TREP and would lead to a longer degree completion time.

We would strongly recommend that a student does not take a break between semesters because the gap between December and the following August is very long, and likely to impact the student's incentive to participate in the program.

What happens if a student fails a class?

Districts can no longer charge students who fail, withdraw, or do not complete a class, per HB 22-1390.

However, failing a college course has a significant impact on a student's college record including their college GPA, academic status, and financial aid status. They should reach out to their college advisor for guidance on their options.

Can a student take SAI (Supplemental Academic Instruction) classes during TREP?

Yes, a student can enroll in SAI courses while they are a TREP student. These courses are not considered Developmental Education courses and the school district is required to cover the tuition for them.

Can a student switch their licensure area during the program?

Yes. We understand that students may change their mind and they are able to change their licensure area while in the TREP program, if they so choose. There are many general education courses in the Educator Pathway, so our hope would be that the student would not be behind on credits.

Can a student participate in the sixth year of TREP if they turn 21 before the October count date?

No. Schools cannot retain a student for TREP if they turn 21 before the start of the sixth year. If the students is 21 on or by the October count date, then they cannot participate in TREP for the sixth year.

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TREP/ASCENT:

If a student does not get a TREP slot, can they do the ASCENT program instead?

Yes, however the student would need to have 9 postsecondary credits to be eligible for ASCENT. If the student only has taken one class, they would not be eligible to participate in ASCENT. A student cannot transfer to TREP in the sixth year if they were an ASCENT student the year prior.

If a student participates in ASCENT, can they do TREP the following year?

No. A student cannot participate in the sixth year of TREP if they were not a TREP participant in the fifth year.

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Funding:

How is a TREP student funded?

Districts receive the extended high school rate for per pupil funding. The PPR goes to the district for both district charters and district schools, For CSI-managed charter schools, the PPR funding goes to CSI.

Does TREP cover the courses on the Educator Pathway only?

Please refer to the current Student October Audit guide for details about course requirements for TREP students in the fifth and sixth year.

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Financial Aid:

Is a TREP student eligible for financial aid?

No. A student is retained by their school district to participate in TREP, and is still considered to be a high school student, so they are not able to accept financial aid. A student may apply for scholarships that do not require first-time, undergraduate college student status. Please note that districts are only required to cover student tuition with TREP funds, and as a high school student, a TREP student does not have access to federal or state financial aid to help cover other expenses, such as housing or room and board.

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Housing:

Is a TREP student eligible to live on campus?

Please check with the institution to see what the requirements are for living on campus. Please note that districts are only required to cover student tuition with TREP funds, and as a high school student, a TREP student does not have access to federal or state financial aid to help cover other expenses, such as housing or room and board.

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