Congratulations on taking
the next step of your educational career! The fact that you are
visiting this website shows that you are an individual who cares
about your future. You realize the value of a college education,
but also know that there is much more to going to college than just
going to class. Selecting and attending the right college or university
will help shape you into adulthood. This is not a decision to be
taken lightly, and that is why CESDA is here to help you make an
informed decision.
CESDA provides information on pre-college
programs, a time-line for college
admissions and valuable scholarship
and financial aid resources. In addition, we have listed contacts
for two-year and four-year institutions
in Colorado and encourage students to call upon our CESDA
members for assistance. I highly recommend that you share this
information with your parents, so they can understand and move
through the college planning process with you.
Applying to college can be an intimidating
process for anyone, but this can be especially true for students
whose parents did not go to college. These students are referred
to as "first generation students." Whether or not you
fall into this category, you should take advantage of the knowledge
of those around you. Your counselors, teachers, coaches, pastors
and older friends want to see you succeed. Ask them to help you
get accurate information and make informed decisions.
I sincerely hope you take full advantage
of the CESDA website. I believe the information it contains will
help to not only prove that high school graduation is a viable
option for us all, but that a successful college career can be
a reality as well.
Sincerely,
Judi A. Diaz-Bonacquisti
Past-Chair Colorado Educational Services & Development Association
Colorado School of Mines
