ResourcesSeven APS Students Earn H.S. Diplomas AND College Degrees
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Written by Julie Haeflinger and Rich Blegen
This year, Aurora Public Schools graduated seven students who also earned college associate’s degrees while attending high school. In addition to earning their high school diplomas, these students participated in the Pacesetter Program at the Community College of Aurora that allows APS students to take concurrent college classes towards a college associate’s degree.
Congratulations to:
- Jessica Kelly (from Rangeview H.S., earning an Associate of Science degree)
- Nicole Hinsley (from Rangeview H.S., earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Dental Assistant program)
- Sierra Morales (from Rangeview H.S., earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in the
Cosmetology program, pictured top right) - Ana Olivas (from Gateway H.S., earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Cosmetology program, pictured at right, second from top)
- Dashon Straub-Crawford (from William Smith H.S., earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Precision Machining program, pictured at right, third from top)
- Precious Van Buren (from Rangeview H.S., earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Cosmetology program, pictured at bottom right)
- Alberto Gomez Arias (from Aurora Central H.S., earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Computer-Aided Drafting program
Six students who earned their Associate of Applied Science degrees also took advantage of the Middle College Program at Pickens Technical College, which allowed them to combine their passion for career training with their 
zeal to pursue college.
The AAS / Applied Technology degree is a Colorado Community College system-wide degree that allows students to utilize up to 45 credits earned from a Colorado technical college. Maximizing their Pickens Technical College credits, these six APS students were able to complete the associate degree with as few as five general education college courses. The AAS degree recognizes the value of the students’ career and technical training and gives students their first steps into the college setting as well.
Jessica Kelly earned her Associate of Science degree from the Community College of Aurora while attending Rangeview High School.
Next steps? These APS high school / CCA / Pickens Technical College grads have the opportunity to immediately pursue a career, a new path, or a long-range educational goal. They will stride directly into meaningful careers, explore different career options, or continue their education . . . . but with marketable skills that will help pave their way financially. Congratulations to them all. Their work during high school really has prepared them for the real world!
- Learn more about the APS / CCA Pacesetter Program.
- Learn more about the Pickens Tech Middle College Program.
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