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In this episode host Nicole Brady sits down with Tara Schneider, Senior Manager of Higher Education Academics in DPS, to discuss how Denver Public Schools is supporting students and families during Career and College Month this October. Learn about early college credit programs, financial aid support, and pathways for every student's post-secondary goals.

Key Topics Covered:

Exploring Post-Secondary Options: How DPS frames college and career readiness around student choice—whether attending a 4-year university, community college, trade school, or entering direct career training.

Earning Early College Credit: Free access to high school concurrent enrollment, AP, and IB courses to save time and tuition.

Guaranteed Admissions & Free Application Days: Partnerships with Colorado institutions (CU Denver, CSU, MSU Denver, and more) and details on Colorado Free Application Days (October 20–22).

Financial Aid Assistance: Guidance on FAFSA and CASFA forms with help from school counselors and Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Future Centers.

First-Gen & Undocumented Student Support: Bilingual resources in all seven DPS consent decree languages and step-by-step family workshops.

Career & Technical Education (CTE): Over 90 CTE programs, industry certifications, Emily Griffith Technical College pathways, and hands-on work-based learning (internships, apprenticeships, and Spark middle school programs).

Action Steps for 9th & 10th Graders: Simple advice on how underclassmen can schedule time with counselors to explore options and start early.

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