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Week 6: September 22, 2025

COLLEGE
Should you Use the Common App? PROS and CONS of Using the Common App to Apply for Colleges
Taken from College Raptor Article by Hilary Cairns
When applying for jobs, you have to complete different applications for different positions. Many expect college to be the same thing. However, thanks to the Common App, that’s not entirely true. With over 1,000 colleges and universities accepting this central application form, you could apply to many or even all of your top choices in a fraction of the time. We’ve put together a Common App guide that covers everything from the basics to how to submit your applications.
What Is the Common App?
Every college requires applications in order to apply to the school. Most have applications through their website, but many also accept the Common App. The Common App is a non-profit organization that streamlines the college application process for students and participating institutions. Students can complete the form, write essays, and submit letters of recommendations through the platform to apply to up to 20 colleges. Colleges might request additional forms or essays, but if more than one school accepts the Common App, you can get the bulk of your applications done at the same time.
Who Accepts the Common App?
The Common App started with only 15 users. Today, over 1,000 institutions accept it! Many of the top-ranking colleges and universities use the Common App, including all eight Ivy League schools.
Some institutions only accept the Common App, while others utilize direct applications through a school portal and/or other universal applications, such as the Coalition Application.
Pros and Cons of Using the Common App
If you’re on the fence about using the Common App, these are some considerations to keep in mind.
- Advantages of the Common App- You should absolutely use the Common App if your preferred schools accept or require it. Here are just a few benefits of this centralized college application:
- It saves time. If multiple schools on your list accept the Common App, you can save countless hours on college application processes. It’s valuable time you can then put toward other high school responsibilities.
- It tracks important info. The Common App dashboard helps you track schools’ deadlines and application requirements, making it easier to submit materials on time.
- Schools won’t pay less attention. Some students worry that schools prefer in-house applications, and the Common App hurts their acceptance chances. However, colleges that use the Common App sign a document stating that they won’t favor the traditional, school-specific applications over other options.
- It helps teachers and school counselors. The Common App simplifies the process for everyone involved with your college application. You can invite collaborators who can then easily upload transcripts and letters of recommendation to your profile.
- Considerations of the Common App These Common App considerations aren’t necessarily downsides, but more facts you should be aware of before you use it.
- Not all schools accept it. While over 1,000 institutions accept the Common App, it doesn’t cover all of the colleges in the United States, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- It’s easier to overdo it. You should have a good mix of safety, match, and reach schools. While you can apply to up to 20 schools through the Common App, it doesn’t mean you should use all of those 20 slots – especially if you’re applying to other colleges that don’t accept the Common App. Carefully research schools to make sure they align with your needs and goals.
- It can experience technical difficulties. Like any online college application, the Common App can experience technical difficulties, including at crucial moments. Don’t wait until the night or even day before the application is due. You don’t want an unexpected technical issue to hurt your admission chances.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Common App
If you want to apply to your colleges using the Common App, follow these steps.
1. Create an Account on the Common App website. You’ll be asked some basic information, including:
- Whether you’re a first-time student, transfer student, or parent/guardian
- Email address
- Legal name (and preferred nickname, if you have one)
- Year you plan to start college
- Date of birth
- Address
- Phone number
2. Complete Your Common App Profile by filling out your profile and supply details on demographics, languages, geography, eligibility for a fee waiver, nationality, background, and more.
3. Add Your Colleges and Universities by selecting colleges and universities you’re interested in. If your school doesn’t accept the Common App, you’ll have to apply to it another way. You’re able to apply to up to 20 schools through the Common App, and you can always remove schools before you apply and add new ones later. If it’s early in the application process and you’re still building your college list, you might want to wait to move onto the next step. Not all schools require all of the following sections so you could save time by waiting.
4. Invite Collaborators- Students need to submit transcripts and letters of recommendation, and the Common App allows users to invite application collaborators, such as teachers, advisors, and other supporters. The contributor can then directly attach letters of recommendation or transcripts to the application. Advisors can even check on application progress and review the submission with the student’s permission. Students also need to invite their parents if they are applying under early decision.
5. Fill Out The Other Sections. There are six other sections to complete.
- Family: Provide parents’ names, parents’ occupations, parents’ education levels, sibling details, ages, and other details.
- Education: Submit high school information, transcripts, graduation dates, details on any college courses that were completed, GPA, honors, awards, goals, community service and the organization’s details, and more.
- Testing: Supply SAT/ACT, AP, IB, and other test scores you wish to submit. International applicants need to provide their English proficiency test results.
- Activities: You can submit details on up to 10 extracurriculars, clubs, and other activities. You’ll have to detail the type of activity and organization name as well as your position, when and how much you participated, and your accomplishments.
- Writing: Most, but not all, colleges request essays. The Common App will inform you on whether you need to complete this section and for which schools.
- Some schools may ask additional questions, such as why the student wants to attend that particular college.
- Courses & Grades: Only select schools request self-reporting on this section, so most students skip this portion entirely. It asks for further details on grades and any courses taken outside of the student’s high school.
6. Submit! Once you’re confident you’ve completed all of the required application tasks, you can submit it! But keep in mind, once you’ve submitted your application, you can’t change details. Review your application, essay, and materials before you send it in.
What Are the Common App Essay Prompts?
Many institutions require students to complete a personal essay, which needs to be at least 250 words and a maximum of 650 words. As with other college application essays, dedicate time to brainstorming, writing, editing, and proofreading these pieces.
For the 2025-26 application cycle, applicants can choose from one of the personal essay topics listed here. Schools may have additional supplemental writing questions that are unique to their college. Requested topics vary, but some common subjects include writing on what a student brings to the community, why they want to attend a particular college, or how they fit into their community.
Tips for Completing Your Application
As with all college applications, your Common App requires your full attention. These tips can help you streamline your application process and potentially increase your acceptance chances.
- Don’t try to do it all at once. The Common App asks for a lot of information on top of a potential personal essay and optional additional information statements. To prevent burnout, complete the application in bite-sized pieces.
- Start as soon as possible. The earlier you start, the more attention you can give your Common App. Teachers also appreciate when you ask them for recommendation letters early! Don’t submit your application last minute on January 1 and risk running into technical difficulties.
- Complete the “challenges and circumstances” section as necessary. If you or your family experienced a hardship, disruption, health issue, or other problem that has impacted your life or grades, you can (and should) provide details in this section.
- Use the “additional information” section. If you have an activity, event, or project that didn’t fit into the activities list, you have up to 300 words to explain your experience here.
- Detail up to 10 activities, extracurriculars, and clubs. You have up to 150 words to detail your successes, work, and achievements. Now isn’t the time for modesty!
- List your awards. You can submit up to 5 academic achievements and up to 100 words to explain your successes.
- Don’t exaggerate. You should be able to back up your claims. For example, you didn’t really face hardship, don’t make it up. Your college might ask for proof.
- Provide the right amount of details. It’s all too easy to overshare, which can bog down your application. As you review your submission, ask yourself if the details you provided are beneficial or highlight good information about you as a student. If not, you probably don’t need it.
- Review before submitting. Always double-check your Common App applications before you hit that submit button. You can preview your application to see the whole form. It’s a good idea to have a trusted parent or advisor review your submission.
Common App FAQ
- When Does the Common App Open?
The Common App goes live on the official website every year on August 1st. It closes on January 1st. However, even though the application is available between August 1st and January 1st, students need to pay attention to the schools’ application deadlines. Early action and early decision deadlines are usually in November, for example.
- How Much Does the Common App Cost?
The Common App itself is free, but about half of schools will charge application fees. If you qualify, you can request a fee waiver through your Common App Profile. Some colleges offer their own waivers.
- How Long Does it Take to Complete the Common App?
Creating a Common App account takes just a few minutes, but completing applications can take months. You need time to write essays, gather letters of recommendations, take the ACT or SAT, and more. Give yourself at least two months to complete college applications, but the sooner you start, the better.
- Should You Use the Common App?
The short answer is – yes, you should consider using the Common App to apply to colleges if at least one of your schools accepts it. In fact, some schools only accept the Common App. Not all colleges use the centralized application, but if you’re applying to several that do, it can save you hours on the college application process. Although the Common App allows you to apply to up to 20 schools through the program, it doesn’t mean you have to utilize all of those slots. Instead, you want to be sure you’re applying to colleges and universities that meet your unique needs, wants, goals, and budget.
College Visits at HRHS
- Call or e-mail Post Grad (contact info on the Post Grad home page) or Register with RepVisits
THIS WEEK:
- 23-Sep, 9:00am, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
- 23-Sep, 10:00am, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA
- 23-Sep, 2:00pm, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
- 24-Sep, 10:00am, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
- 24-Sep, 11:00am, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT
- 24-Sep, 12:30pm, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
- 26-Sep, 8:30am, Creighton University, Omaha, NE
NEXT WEEK:
29-Sep, 12:00pm, Hamline University, Saint Paul, MN
- 30-Sep, 10:30am, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
- 1-Oct, 10:00am, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
- 1-Oct, 10:30am, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
- 1-Oct, 11:00am, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD
- 1-Oct, 12:00pm, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
- 2-Oct, 10:00am, University of the West of England, Bristol, Bristol, BST
- 2-Oct, 10:30am, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
- 2-Oct, 12:00pm, Miami University-Oxford, Oxford, OH
- 2-Oct, 12:30pm, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA
- 2-Oct, 1:00pm, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
- 2-Oct, 1:30pm, High Point University, High Point, NC
- 2-Oct, 2:00pm, Colorado State University-Fort Collins, Fort Collins, CO
- JUNIORS and SENIORS!!! If you are interested in attending a specific college, please make sure you have selected it as a school “I am interested in” in your Naviance profile. There are scholarship opportunities for schools like University of North Carolina, Embry Riddle and others that you can be selected for if we know you are truly interested. In addition, you will receive an email notifying you of any visits from the college to our campus so that you can come into post grad and meet the rep who may be reading your college application!
Points of Pride
I've been able to attend the Colleges that Change Lives and Jesuit Educational Tour meet and greets in which schools gave a 5 minute presentation (a snapshot of their institution). I'll highlight some points of pride over the next few newsletters. Please see below for highlights on Austin College, Bard College, Beloit College and Gonzaga.
Austin College offers benefits such as academic scholarships, a supportive 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and a personalized learning environment. Students also receive access to resources and facilities on the campus in Sherman, Texas, which includes accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Bard College provides benefits such as meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for early-action and early-decision students, access to active scholars, a rigorous academic and intellectual environment, and a focus on intellectual discourse and sophisticated social activities rather than partying. The college is known for its unique educational model, which emphasizes close student-faculty contact and a strong emphasis on the arts and humanities.
Beloit College provides a comprehensive set of benefits for its students and employees, including a vibrant community, a welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals, and generous merit-based financial aid for international students.
Gonzaga University is a Jesuit institution in Spokane, Washington, founded in 1887, known for its student-centered, small-class education, strong commitment to community service, and nationally recognized men's and women's basketball teams, "the Zags". Fun facts include its bulldog mascot being featured in Nike commercials, the university's origin on land bought from a railroad, the inspiring connection to Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, and a high graduate employment rate. In August 2025, Gonzaga University was ranked #1 in school spirit by The Princeton Review.
COLLEGE FAIRS: Participating colleges set up booths where students can ask questions and pick up information about the school. This is an easy way to visit with college reps, learn more about the school and collect some swag.
- Out of State College Night at Monarch High School, Thursday, October 2, 5:30-7:00pm
- Out of State College Night at Lakewood High School, Friday, October 3, 5:30-7:00pm
- In and Out of State College Fair at Mountain Vista High School, Saturday, October 4, 10:00am-12:00pm
- Denver National College Fair at CU Boulder, Sunday, October 25, 1:00pm-4:00pm
- Denver Music College Fair at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, University of Denver, Friday, October , 6:00-9:00pm
- HRHS College Fair during Access, Thursday, March 13, 2025
Applications
Colorado Free Application Day
- The 2025 Free Application Days are October 7th – 9th.
- While the admission application (common app or direct to institution) must be submitted during this three-day period to be eligible for the fee waiver, students are encouraged to begin working on their application(s) now so that they can submit their applications stress-free during Free Application Day. All online admission applications have the ability to save work in-progress.
WUE Provides Students Greater Access to College with Reduced Tuition Rates at Participating Schools
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) was established in 1987 to make college more affordable and accessible to students in the West. Through WUE, students from the WICHE region* can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs across the West and pay no more than 150% of the institution’s resident tuition rate. Today, more than 170 public colleges and universities offer reduced tuition rates through WUE to qualifying students. Participating schools offer these discounted rates to help students avoid the full cost of pursuing higher education outside their home state and minimize the impact of student loan debt. Find your perfect match. Download the list of WUE schools and use the online WUE Tuition Savings Finder to see how much you can save.
CU Pre-Health Scholars (CUPS) Program 2026–2027 Cohort
The CUPS Program provides academic enrichment, community-building, and hands-on experiences designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare and beyond. It is a unique opportunity for motivated students to explore their interests, connect with peers and mentors, and build a strong foundation for their future. This year promises to be another impactful journey of growth, learning, and opportunity for future healthcare leaders.
Application Window: Open now through November 1, 2025
Apply Here: CUPS Application Link
Eligibility: Students may apply based on their current grade level (Fall 2025):
- 8th grade → apply for the 9th grade cohort
- 9th grade → apply for the 10th grade cohort
- and so on through high school progression
Program Details
All sessions are required for participation
Sessions will be held in person at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus
Learn more on our website: CUPS Program Information
DigiPen’s Fall 2026 application is now open!
If your students want to join our next cohort of Dragons, we’re calling all those interested in computer science, game design, audio production, and digital art and animation to apply. HOW TO APPLY
Bachelor’s Degree in AI Set for 2026
Our new BS in Computer Science in Artificial Intelligence degree is here! In addition to covering computer science fundamentals, students in this program will dive into machine learning courses focused on innovative, ethical uses of artificial intelligence. The new program is set to kick off with the Fall 2026 cohort, and you can apply today!
SCHOLARSHIPS
Start planning which scholarships you may want to apply for:
- Check the Scholarship website on the HRHS website for scholarships and scholarship search engines to help you find scholarships that meet your qualifications.
- I update scholarships that are sent to HRHS seeking potential applicants weekly. It is sorted by application due date.
- I will also post some in this newsletter
Transportation Field Scholarships
WTS fosters the development of women in the transportation field by encouraging students and new professionals to undertake careers in the transportation field. One way it does this is by awarding scholarships to students pursuing studies in transportation related fields. Applications for the 2025-2026 scholarship cycle are currently being accepted and will remain open through Wednesday, October 15th.
- Bridgette Beato Leadership Legacy Scholarship for women pursuing graduate studies - $5,000
- Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship for women pursuing graduate studies - $5,000
- Molitoris Leadership Scholarship for Undergraduates - $4,000
- Sharon D. Banks Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship - $4,000
- Junior College/Trade School Scholarship - $2,000
- Transportation YOU High School Scholarship for seniors - $2,000
- WTS Colorado Future Forward Scholarship for non-traditional students - $1,500
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- GPA of 3.0 or higher*
- Current enrollment in a transportation-related field
- Community college, undergraduate and graduate students – must be enrolled in a transportation related program at time of application submission
- Graduating high school seniors – demonstrate an interest in enrolling in a transportation- related program for the Fall 2025 semester
- Examples include: Engineering, Urban Planning, Aviation, Environmental Studies, Geography, Construction Management, Public Administration, Public Finance, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Public Health
- Plans to Pursue a Career in a Transportation-Related Field
- Applicants should be attending school in Colorado or Wyoming, and/or reside in Colorado or Wyoming.
*GPA of 2.5 or higher for non-traditional scholarship
WTS Colorado:
https://www.wtsinternational.org/chapters/colorado
For additional information and questions about the application process, please email the WTS Colorado Scholarship and Student Outreach Committee: WTSCoScholarships@gmail.com
Military Child of the Year
The annual awards recognize outstanding young people ages 13 to 18. Recipients will represent a branch of the armed forces — the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force — for their scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria while facing the challenges of military family life.
All Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award recipients will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., and recognized at the April 2026 gala, during which senior leaders of each branch of service will present the awards. They also will receive $10,000 each, a laptop computer, and other donated gifts. The gala is usually held in April, the month of the military child, as a way to recognize the support and appreciation we provide to military families.
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?
- Child must be a legal military dependent. Status confirmed by DEERS enrollment form.
- Military children must be between the ages of 13 and 18, at the time of nomination.
- Child and one adult guardian must be available to travel to the Washington, DC area April 21-24, during the month of the military child, for the Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Awards Gala award presentation.
- Officers, directors, employees, and agents of Operation Homefront and its subsidiaries or affiliated organizations, and their immediate family members (parent, child, sibling, and spouse of each) and those living in the same households of each are not eligible to receive programs, services, grants, or donated goods intended for use by Operation Homefront’s clients.
- Previous Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award Recipients, including Innovation Award recipients, are no longer eligible.
In addition to the above eligibility requirements, if selected as a Semifinalist, must:
- Provide 2 letters of recommendation
- Provide form DD1172
- Be willing to participate in media and donor opportunities
ACF Visionary Scholarship Opportunity Award
The Visionary Scholarship is a bi-annual award. There are five (5) awards given with each bi-annual deadline - with a total of ten (10) college scholarships awarded for each school year. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 each. Click here for more award details on award availability for your students.
Next bi-annual award deadline: December 1, 2025
Eligible grades: 2026, 2027, 2028, & 2029
ACF Visionary Scholarship complete details.
The application is free and the student does NOT need to demonstrate financial need in order to qualify.
TESTING
Juniors will have the opportunity to take a Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test October 8 at HRHS. This is an excellent practice test for the SAT given in the Spring. This student guide provides a helpful overview of what to expect.
Digital SAT practice is free and available to all students through the Bluebook™ testing app. Students can take a full-length digital practice test, view their results, and get linked to additional instructional materials, resources, and lessons on Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy®.
To take an additional SAT test (besides the one offered by HRHS in April) or to take the ACT, follow link below:
TUTORING
SAT Prep Course at DU (or live online). There will be a high-quality SAT prep course this fall hosted at the University of Denver, taught by a Harvard grad. There is also a live online version of the course. You will choose between the in-person and virtual courses. Campus Prep has provided these popular courses at the University of Denver for the past 7 years and has been the official SAT provider for the Boulder Valley School District.
Questions? Email admin@campusprep.org or call (877) 805-2521.
- Both courses are open to Juniors and Seniors.
- 27-hour comprehensive course, including 3 proctored practice exams
- Starts in October and runs for 7 weeks
- Taught live by a 99th percentile expert instructor
- Costs $195
- Students who complete the course often increase their score by over 200 points.
- The courses fill up fast. Apply at https://www.campusprep.org/sat (it takes 60 seconds to apply)
- Visit https://www.campusprep.org/sat to see the schedules and to apply for the course.
HRHS NHS Tutoring
This is available for free in the Library every Access period, after school Mon-Thurs from 2:45-3:30, before school on silver days from 7:15-8:10!
Students sign up online for tutoring using this google form: Sign up for NHS Tutoring
What kind of help can you get from a tutoring session?
One-on-One tutoring session -- specific skill or assignment
A study buddy -- study and review for a test
A homework helper -- while you work on your homework
A writing coach -- organize your thoughts/edit your written work
A reading buddy -- help you with your assigned reading
VOLUNTEER
General Reminder: All seniors need to complete and turn in 20 hours of community service. Your completed hours are posted on your unofficial transcript. Need ideas?
Castle Rock Post Partners Events
We only have a few volunteers signed up for each event and in order to make a big difference at these events, we need your help. Thank you! (I will bring donuts)
- 8:00-12:00pm Sept. 27 - National Public Lands Day - https://volunteercastlerock.crgov.com/need/detail/?need_id=1119766
Youth Congress
Registration is open now for the Sept. 29 Youth Congress to be held at the Douglas County School District Legacy Campus in Lone Tree. Lunch is provided. If your student lives in Highlands Ranch or Lone Tree, free transportation is available by reserving through Link on Demand: https://www.douglas.co.us/community-services/link-on-demand/
Youth Congress empowers teenagers from all walks of life to help solve teenage problems by finding creative solutions. During the event, students, elected officials and community leaders work together in the spirit of creating positive change.
Visit our webpage to learn more and register: https://www.douglas.co.us/youth-initiatives/youth-congress/
Step Up Speak Out Domestic Violence Awareness 5k
Join Bad Moms of Parker Nonprofit for our first Domestic Violence Awareness 5K right here in Parker, Colorado. Walk. Run. Stand for Survivors. Every step we take together sends a message: Domestic violence has no place in our community.
Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Tallman Meadow Park (12335 Canterberry Parkway) in Parker.
Douglas County Healthy Youth Coalition (DCHYC) Youth Leadership Board
The Douglas County Healthy Youth Coalition (DCHYC) is currently accepting applications for our Youth Leadership Board for the 2025–2026 school year.
The Youth Leadership Board brings together high school students from across the county to:
Strengthen leadership skills through real-world projects
Work alongside community leaders, schools, and parents to improve youth health and well-being
Lead peer-driven initiatives focused on prevention, connection, and advocacy.
Nonprofit Resource Fair
Stop by the Nonprofit Resource Fair at DCSD Legacy Campus on Tuesday, September 23rd anytime between 4pm-7pm to find out about local volunteer opportunities as well as the many resources available to the community. This event is free to attend and open to everyone in the DCSD community!
Haunted Trail Fundraiser
Haunted Trail Fundraiser on October 25th from 4–9 PM in Castle Rock, with all proceeds benefiting the Robin’s Nest Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting mental health initiatives locally.
This event offers students the chance to earn 20 volunteer hours by participating as scare actors or behind-the-scenes crew. Snacks will be provided for all volunteers, and students are encouraged to bring their own costumes and props.
- RescueMinds Medical Learning- student-led nonprofit organization committed to increasing access to CPR and Narcan training in high school and college students. Apply to volunteer.
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science Guest Engagement Volunteer program. Students will have the opportunity to volunteer at the information desk, ticket scanning and greeting, while creating a friendlier and more convenient Museum space by serving as gallery guides and performing wayfinding assignments during special events and programs.
- The Aspen Effect offers leadership and volunteer services hours through Ranch Hand Jobs. Visit www.theaspeneffect.org to sign up (limited spaces).
MILITARY
Campus Visits in Commons
Marines:
- October 8
- October 21
HONORING SERVICE MEMBERS
To honor the dedication and bravery of former HRHS students serving in the military, we have a recognition wall for service members at HRHS. If you know of a former student enlisted with the military, I would like to include them in our display case. It is an opportunity for our school community to express gratitude and support for these individuals. Please email me the contact info and I can reach out to them to include their name, branch of the military and a photo/write up if available.
Civil Air Patrol Highlander Composite Squadron Open House
Open House on Monday, September 29th, 6:30-9:00pm where families can learn more about CAP and see if it’s a good fit. Anyone who can’t make that night is still welcome to stop by the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility (6001 Ron King Trail Littleton, CO 80125) on any Monday evening to visit and learn more.
CAP offers youth ages 12–18 hands-on experiences in:
Leadership & Character Development
Aerospace Education & STEM
Emergency Services & Search and Rescue
Physical Fitness & Teamwork
While we use military structure and customs to teach leadership and discipline, there’s absolutely no obligation to join the military. Many of our cadets participate simply to grow their skills, gain leadership skills, serve their community, or explore careers in aviation, STEM, or emergency services.
To share a personal note, my own daughter had an incredible 11-year journey through CAP as she began as a cadet and continued as an adult. She flew in C-130s and Blackhawks, volunteered during wildfires and floods, supported the Governor’s inauguration, went to an encampment in Germany, and even trained as an airborne photographer. CAP has opened up so many unforgettable experiences, lifelong skills, and friendships.
While our cadet program is geared toward youth ages 12–18, adults (age 18+) are also welcome to join CAP as senior members. Many adults join to help support our cadets, volunteer in emergency services, or pursue interests in aviation, STEM, or community service. Parents, teachers, veterans, and aviation enthusiasts often find meaningful ways to serve. If you're interested, we’d love to connect with you at the open house!
If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to call or email me directly:
720-312-5106, Tamara.Clements@cowg.cap.gov
CAREER
Looking for a Part Time Job? There is a community board across the hall from Post Grad where I post flyers from local business looking for high school students. I will also post new job listings here:
- Waterworks Aquatics Swim Schools is hiring for Swim Instructor positions starting at an average of $20.00 - $28.50. They are a local swim school, looking to train and hire PART-TIME (YEAR-ROUND) SWIM INSTRUCTORS! They are looking for energetic people that are open to learning and have the ability to make learning fun. If you know of anyone that has a strong passion for working with children and enjoys being in the water, then this is the job for them! Students can apply at the link: https://waterworks-aquatics.careerplug.com/jobs/1027610/apps/new
- Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) is currently hiring for year-round staff. Check out HRCAonline.org/Jobs for more details.
Follow the HRHS Postgrad Instagram Page!