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Trying to plan for the summer? Should you do a summer program or research project? One of the many ways the college admissions process has spun out of control is kids planning their summers based on what they think will be most impressive to colleges, often at great expense. What colleges are really interested in is how you chose to spend your time, and a summer spent bagging groceries can have just as much meaning as one spent at Harvard Summer School.

Most summer programs are cash-generating enterprises and will accept any high school student able to pay the bill. Any program that is not highly selective and requires a substantial payment for participation will not help with your college applications, and will simply be viewed as an indication of family wealth rather than ability or aptitude. It can, however, be a method for exploring interests and determining future careers. There are also a growing number of selective summer programs that accept high achieving high school students strictly on the basis of merit, and are offered for free or at a relatively low costs, and will enhance your college application. Some of highly selective programs include:

• Bank of America Student Leaders
• Boston University - Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
• Carnegie Mellon - Summer Academy for Math + Science (SAMS)
• Center for Excellence in Education - Research Science Institute (RSI)
• Cronkite Institute for High School Journalism: Summer Journalism Institute
• Foundation for Teaching Economics - Economics for Leaders (EFL)
• Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Camp
• Indiana University – Young Women’s Institute
• LaunchX
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Minority Introduction to Science and Engineering (MITES)
• MDI Biological Laboratory Summer Research Fellowship
• Michigan Math and Science Scholars
• Michigan State University – High School Honors Science, Math and Engineering Program (HSHSP)
• MIT Research Science Institute
• MIT Lincoln Lab Intro for Student Engineers (LLRISE)
• Monell Center Science Apprenticeship Program
• National Institutes of Health Summer Internship in Biomedical Research (SIP)
• NIH Summer Internship in Biomedical Research
• Ohio State University – Ross Mathematics Program
• Princeton University Summer Journalism Program
• Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
• Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SuMaC)
• Texas Tech University – Clark Scholars
• University of Iowa Secondary Student Training Program
• University of Notre Dame - Leadership Seminars
• University of Pennsylvania – Leadership in the Business World
• US Naval Academy STEM Summer (rising 9th-11th graders)
• US Naval Academy Summer Seminar
• US Naval Academy Girls Tech Camp
• Yale Young Global Scholars

Programmatically, you can expect some classroom learning and coursework, and some project-based learning, too. Summer research programs provide opportunities for learning how to read peer-reviewed, published scientific research, and learning to collect and analyze data. Additionally, these programs will introduce how to use statistical or analytics software specific to the niche industry. Students can take a break from the structured routine of classes in order to immerse themselves in a different world.

Fir Acres is a premier two-week residential summer creative writing program for talented 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Priority application deadline 1/1/26.

Join 60 high-school students from across the country.

Study and write with published, thoughtful and dynamic authors.

Generate your own writing in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction.

Preview college life on Lewis & Clark's beautiful wooded campus.

Explore Portland, Oregon during class trips in and around the city.

• Denver RMACAC Spring College Fair, March 9, 2025, 1:00p - 4:00p, Cherokee Trail High School, 25901 E Arapahoe Rd, Aurora, CO 80016

• HRHS College Fair during Access, Thursday, March 13, 2025

• Does your college of choice have an upcoming deadline of January 15? Please plan ahead and check in with Mrs. Sadler ASAP! Some colleges require information from your counselor, and they require time to be able to complete it (which means you need to request the information before break to have it submitted shortly after break). You can check the college websites for specific requirements. Please also make sure that the deadline is correct in Naviance.

As you receive your college acceptance letters, please let me know of any scholarship offers you receive. And that means EVERY scholarship offered....even if you don't accept the award. We report the total amount offered to our seniors. When you receive award letters, please forward the email, bring it in, snap a picture or email a typed summary....however it is easiest for you to send me the notification of the offer so that we can update our system.

• This includes any scholarship offered to you: need based, academic, athletic, etc.
• Please include the name of the scholarship, the total amount of $$ awarded and indicate if it is a one time scholarship or for all four years.
• Specific information (names, amounts) will not be published. The total $$ earned will be announced during our Honors Convocation ceremony in May and reported to the district.
• Please reach out with any questions you might have!

Interested in Texas Tech? Hear directly from a panel of current Texas Tech students who will be home for the holidays and eager to share their stories: the reasons why they chose Texas Tech and what makes it the place where big dreams take shape. THURSDAY, 1/8/26, 6:30-8pm at Maggiano's Little Italy, Denver Tech Center

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.

Reed College is renowned for its rigorous, intellectual environment, small classes, and high percentage of PhD-producing graduates, emphasizing critical thinking through a challenging curriculum (like the year-long Humanities course and senior thesis) and a unique grading system focused on comments, all within a vibrant Portland setting with a distinctive, self-reliant student culture.

Rhodes College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college in Memphis, Tennessee, known for its rigorous academics, strong service focus, and residential campus with a distinctive Gothic-style architecture, offering over 70 programs, personalized attention (9:1 student-to-faculty ratio), and excellent pre-professional outcomes (law, med school). It's part of the "Colleges That Change Lives" group, emphasizing intellectual engagement, community service, and ethical leadership within an urban setting.

St. Mary's Colleges (multiple institutions exist) generally highlight strong academics with accessible faculty, diverse student bodies fostering community, personalized attention, Lasallian/Catholic values, practical outcomes (internships, job placement), impact-focused learning, and specific strengths like business (AACSB), health, education, or liberal arts, often receiving high rankings for value, regional reputation, and student experience, as seen with St. Mary's (CA), St. Mary's (IN), and St. Mary's (MD), notes the Princeton Review, Money magazine, and U.S. News & World Report.

Southwestern University highlights include strong rankings in Career Services & Impact, rising national placement (e.g., #83 liberal arts in U.S. News 2025), being a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), a focus on integrated arts & sciences, high marks for professors, green initiatives, and being a featured member of "Colleges That Change Lives". The university excels in providing value, social mobility, and a student-centered education, boosted by a successful fundraising campaign and a commitment to diversity and local sustainability.

Presented by Arapahoe Community College and the Community College of

Denver, this program provides high school students and young adult learners

(ages 15-24 years old) with opportunities to gain experience and exposure to

several of Colorado’s fastest growing health careers. The Colorado Health Careers

Academy offers:

• BLS (Basic Life Support Certification)
• Hands-on medical labs
• Professional development workshops
• And much more!
• Cost: $259 (Limited Scholarship available)

Join us and take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare!

Visit our Website to register and apply for a scholarship

This free conference on Friday, February 6, 2026 is designed to help aspiring teachers learn more about the field, connect with peers and gather insights from Colorado’s leader in teacher education. We will also be welcoming back Steve Spangler as our keynote speaker to host an interactive start to our event that your students are sure to love!

Now in its 11th year, Future Teacher Conference features presentations and workshops facilitated by preservice teachers (current UNC students), early career teachers, veteran educators, and UNC Educator Preparation faculty. Anyone curious or exploring the field of teaching is encouraged to attend!

Registration will open November 3. In the meantime, you can learn more about the conference here. BONUS! Three Future Teacher Conference attendees will be selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend UNC in the fall of 2026.

Registration is now open for the 3rd annual CU Boulder High School New Venture Challenge (HSNVC)- powered by FirstBank. See attached flyer for more details and registration info.

The HSNVC is specifically designed to bring entrepreneurial learning and innovative mindsets to high school students across Colorado, with a particular focus on rural, underserved, and 1st generation students. This one-of-a-kind program offers:

• $25,000+ in scholarships to CU Boulder
• Hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and innovation
• Development of critical real-world problem-solving, strategic, and leadership skills

Whether you dream of starting a business, solving world challenges, or excelling in your future vocations - this challenge equips them with the tools, confidence, and mindset to succeed.

The initial registration is easy and all you need is a basic preliminary idea to sign up. It’s open now until Jan 31, 2026. Participants then have until March 25, 2026 to more fully develop the idea and prepare their competition materials (2-page executive summary + 4-minute video pitch).

Students REGISTER HERE

Learn More About HSNVC

• 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

If you are a student living in the Littleton Post Service Area (South of Hampden, Ave, West of I-25 and NE of C470) and are a descendent of a Veteran, you qualify to apply for the $5,000 George C. Evans Post 103 Scholarship. Please email Mrs. Sadler for details. April 9 deadline.

DAR offers 31 scholarships through our National Society. To review those, please contact DAR.ORG/Scholarships directly. The requirements are listed for each with forms available to download.

The deadline is 11:59PM, January 31, 2026.

For Applicants who Intend to Major in SCIENCE or MATH. Application Deadline 2/28/26 and may be downloaded from www.universityhillsrotary.org.

• Permanent address must be in Rotary District 5450
• Applicants must be a United States Citizen.
• Applicant must plan to attend a Colorado college or University
• Applicant must have a GPA of 3.0+
• Must provide evidence of need.

The Road Home Exteriors Scholarship was created to honor local high school seniors in the Denver Metro area who truly live out our company motto: Do What Is Expected, Then Do More. We believe in rewarding students who go above and beyond - whether in academics, leadership, community service, or personal growth. As a locally owned company committed to integrity and excellence in every roofing, siding, and window project, we’re proud to invest in the next generation of leaders who share those same values. This scholarship reflects our dedication to both our craft and our community. The scholarship is divided between four chosen applicants who best exemplify our motto: Do What Is Expected, Then Do More.

Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship grants are typically awarded in amounts of $10,000 to $12,500 per year (disbursed evenly each term) and are renewable for up to four years, resulting in a total potential award of up to $40,000 to $50,000. Scholarships can be applied to any accredited institution where the student is enrolled full-time.

All students who fit the criteria below are encouraged to apply. Applications are available each year from January 1-March 15.

CRITERIA:

In order to apply for a Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, applicants must fit the following, qualifying criteria:

• A Black high school student in their senior year
• A full-time Colorado resident for a minimum of three years. Residence due to military orders to Colorado may be accepted on a case-by-case basis

INSTRUCTIONS:

Applications will be available online through the link below between January 1st and March 15th of each year. As part of your application, you will be asked to submit the following, required materials:

• Your full high school transcript
• Two letters of recommendation from persons not related to you
• A one-page personal statement and an additional essay response (350-500 words)
• Your Student Aid Report (SAR). You can obtain your SAR by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you haven’t already done so, at www.fafsa.gov
• Information from your household’s latest tax return
• An additional educational, artistic, or professional file personal to you (optional)

Please note: Completed applications, with all materials, must be received by the Sachs Foundation by March 15th of the year you are applying. Letters of Recommendation must be received by March 31st. Applications submitted past the deadline will not be considered. Any incomplete or incorrect statement will directly impact any consideration of your scholarship application.

Students who are identified as finalists for a scholarship will be notified in late April. Finalists will be required to attend a program in Colorado Springs in June. Final approval of an award will be made at that time.

A program of the Rocky Mountain Court System Inc., this foundation was created to award scholarships to ALL Colorado residents, enabling them to continue their college education. The money is donated directly to the schools with the stipulation that the scholarship award is to be used for tuition or to purchase textbooks. The eligibility criteria are that the applicant must reside in Colorado and attend an accredited higher learning institution. Application due January 14. See website for more details.

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.

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®.

• Register for the National ACT
• Register by January 9 for February 14 test

There are several tutors hoping to help students with various subjects or testing. A list can be found on the post grad website.

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

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?

We are continuing to prepare for the Shredders Ski Team season and are looking for passionate, enthusiastic volunteers to support individuals with Down Syndrome during their full-day ski lessons as part of the Shredders Ski Team with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) at Winter Park Resort!

NSCD Shredders Ski Team Season Details:

• Participants: Individuals with Down Syndrome, ages 5+

• Dates: Saturdays, February 21, 28, March 7, and 14, 2026

• Location: National Sports Center for the Disabled, Winter Park Resort

• Volunteer positions start at age 16 and up

Interested in becoming a volunteer? The NSCD Winter Volunteer Application is Open!

https://nscd.org/winter-volunteer/

Need community service hours? Volunteer to be a Teen Reading Buddy at Douglas County Libraries. Click here for more information. Check out more volunteer opportunities at DCL here.

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.

• 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).

Army:

• December 3

Marines:

• December 10

• January 21

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.

Owl Club of Denver Debutante is recruiting outstanding African American young women who are 2026 graduates for the Diamond Anniversary of the Debutante Cotillion.

The Owl Club of Denver was founded in 1941 and received its charter from the State of Colorado in 1949. The Owl Club was organized as a men's social club at the prestigious University Club, but over the 84 years have implemented programs of educational, cultural, civic, and recreational value to the Denver community. To date more than 1600 young women have been recognized as Owl Club Debutantes.

If Interested, please email Mrs. Sadler for a nomination form.

Follow the HRHS Postgrad Instagram Page!