For students like Kathleen Carson and educators like Kurt Knierim, the CU Succeed program has been transformative. It’s not just about earning college credit in high school—it’s about opening doors, creating confidence, and building bridges between high school classrooms and university lecture halls. This innovative program, designed to make higher education accessible and attainable, empowers students and teachers alike, shaping futures and changing lives.
From High School Student to Sophomore: Kathleen’s Story
For Kathleen Carson, a double major in history and secondary education at MSU Denver, CU Succeed offered a head start on her college journey. She first encountered the program as a high school student when it was introduced as an option to earn dual credit in her math class. “They basically said you can take it as a high school math class, or you can get the college credit for it too,” Kathleen recalls. “So I took the college credit and then took a few more classes after that as well.”
That decision paid off in a big way. By the time she started college, Kathleen had already earned enough credits to begin as a sophomore. “I was looking at registering for classes, and I was going through the list of courses I had to take,” she says. “And that one was already done, that one was from junior year of high school, and this one was from senior year. It’s reassuring for sure.”
The ability to graduate sooner—in just three years instead of four—has given Kathleen a head start on her dream of becoming a middle school history teacher. “Knowing that I can do it in fewer years than most students is very reassuring and keeps the motivation up,” she says.
Beyond the practical benefits, CU Succeed gave Kathleen a taste of college-level work and helped her adjust to the demands of higher education. While some teachers emphasized the increased workload and higher expectations, she found the courses manageable. “It was definitely more work, but it was manageable for a high schooler,” she notes. “The program gave me a glimpse of what university classes would be like.”
Shaping Futures: Kurt’s Perspective as an Educator
For Kurt Knierim, a former high school history teacher with 31 years of experience, CU Succeed was an opportunity to elevate his teaching and provide life-changing opportunities for his students. Kurt taught CU Succeed courses for nearly two decades before transitioning to a faculty role at CU Denver. His deep connection to the program stems from its ability to benefit both students and educators.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to gain a college-level experience in high school where there’s more support,” Kurt explains. “And for educators, the program engages teachers and helps them take their teaching to the next level. It’s a win-win.”
Kurt was instrumental in establishing CU Succeed at Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, where he became a passionate advocate for the program. “I was very much an evangelist for the program,” he says. “Rocky Mountain High School is one of the places in the state that has the most CU Succeed teachers and offers the most courses.”
What makes CU Succeed so impactful, according to Kurt, is its accessibility. Unlike Advanced Placement (AP) classes, which rely on a single high-stakes exam, CU Succeed courses award college credit based on the student’s performance throughout the semester. “Students earn the credit, and it’s for sure,” Kurt says. “It’s not based on one test on one day.” This approach levels the playing field, particularly for students who might not excel in standardized testing environments.
Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence
One of the program’s most significant benefits is the confidence it instills in students. “Perhaps they hadn’t thought about doing college,” Kurt says. “But they get some college credit, and they say, ‘Hey, that wasn’t so hard. I can do this.’” For many students, especially those from underrepresented or first-generation backgrounds, this confidence can be a game-changer.
CU Succeed is also a financial lifeline. With courses costing just $77 per credit hour, students and their families can save thousands of dollars on tuition. “For my U.S. History course, students could earn six credits for around $475,” Kurt notes. “That’s much, much less than taking courses at a university. It’s an incredible deal.”
For Kathleen, the affordability of CU Succeed was a key factor. “My parents saw the prices and were like, ‘Absolutely, this is a great opportunity.’ Even if you don’t do well in the class, at least you gave it a try. It’s worth it in the long run.”
Creating Pathways for Educators
The program’s impact extends beyond students. For teachers, CU Succeed offers professional growth and a chance to join a supportive community of like-minded educators. “They say iron sharpens iron,” Kurt reflects. “This is a cohort of teachers who want to hone their craft, both pedagogically and in terms of content. It motivates you to become a better teacher.”
Teachers must meet rigorous qualifications—including 18 credit hours or an advanced degree in their field—to participate in the program. While the requirements can be demanding, Kurt emphasizes that the rewards far outweigh the challenges. “Once you get your class up and running, there’s a lot of support from the university and other teachers,” he says. “And it benefits the students so much.”
A Program That Works for All
At its core, CU Succeed aligns with CU Denver’s mission to create “Education That Works for All.” The program breaks down barriers to higher education, making it more accessible, flexible, and relevant for students from all backgrounds. It exemplifies the university’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and real-world impact.
For Kathleen, CU Succeed was more than a set of courses—it was a stepping stone to her future. “I watched my siblings go through different college experiences, and they all recommended taking as many concurrent enrollment classes as possible,” she says. “Now, as a history major, I’m already a step ahead.”
For Kurt, the program represents a bridge between two worlds. “It’s nice to have been in both worlds,” he says. “As a high school teacher and now as a faculty member, I can see the profound impact this program has on students and educators alike.”
Millions of Moments Start Here
Programs like CU Succeed embody CU Denver’s belief that education should empower everyone. By providing high school students with the tools, credits, and confidence to succeed in college, it transforms lives and paves the way for brighter futures.
Whether it’s Kathleen achieving her dream of becoming a history teacher or Kurt helping students realize their potential, CU Succeed is a testament to what happens when innovation meets accessibility. At CU Denver, millions of moments start here—and for CU Succeed participants, those moments are just the beginning.