Re-Engagement
No matter your reason for wanting to continue your college degree, this is a perfect place to start exploring your options. The DSF Re-engagement website is not designed for you to try to return to college on your own. It is designed to help you explore your options, develop questions, and to receive support as a former DSF student who attended college on the Auraria campus from our DSF Re-engagement Manager.
How to work with the DSF Re-engagement program
DSF is currently working with students who took time away from college on the Auraria Campus and are looking for support to earn their college degree and/or look at all their options to achieve individual goals.
Who is eligible for the DSF Re-engagment program?
Past students from Auraria Campus colleges: Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver
What is needed to get started?
Please fill out our Interest Form to receive support from our DSF Re-engagement Manager in a 1:1 appointment. After you fill out our interest form they will reach out to you at the contact information you provided.
Benefits of Returning to college
Many jobs in today’s economy require a college degree, and degree holders typically earn higher wages than individuals whose highest credential is a high school diploma. In other words, college graduates and their families benefit from the increased earnings and social and economic mobility that a degree affords. These benefits translate into stronger local, regional, and national economies as well.
Research from the Postsecondary Value Commission found that increasing the postsecondary attainment rate of adults of color and adults from low-income backgrounds generates measurable returns for individuals, communities, and society writ large. Students benefit from the opportunity to build wealth and from improvements to their individual well-being; communities benefit as degrees significantly increase tax revenue and GDP, and reduce expenses related to public health, criminal justice, and public support programs; and we all benefit from increased civic engagement and empowerment. (1)
(1) Carnevale, A.P., Campbell, K.P., Cheah, B., Fasules, M.L., Gulish, A., Quinn, M.C., Sablan, J.R., Smith, N., Strohl, J., & Barrese, S. (2021, May). The monetary value of economic and racial justice in postsecondary education: Quantifying the potential for public good. Postsecondary Value Commission. https://www.postsecondaryvalue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PVC-GUCEW-FINAL.pdf
Hear from graduates who have successfully re-engaged
“For me, the DSF scholarship helped me a lot in paying for college to experience it to the fullest. It was my DSF advisors, like Alyssa Diaz, who connected me to Anitra Montoya, who I benefited from a lot. They helped me in finding the resources that I needed to return to school and further my education, like reminding me to meet with my school advisor, to register for class and attend events that are occurring on campus that are informative and beneficial to my journey. For this I’m forever thankful for their commitment and dedication to students like myself. Thank you again.”
Elizabeth Atambwe
DSF Scholar at Community College of Denver
“The DSF team will always have a special place in my heart and I respect them for helping many students such as myself stay on track to completing college. A huge thank you to Anitra for being supportive and helping me to continue working towards my degree and being a source of motivation to try my best with my courses.”
Alanzo Cook
DSF Scholar at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Explore your re-engagement options
Congratulations on taking the first step toward reigniting your academic journey! Your decision to explore returning to school is a bold and inspiring move toward achieving your dreams.
Visit the links below to learn how to continue your re-engagement journey.
Auraria Campus Returning Student Resources
Colorado “CORE” Initiative
Did you know you may be able to complete an Associate’s Degree with the credits you have completed?
See if you qualify for the CORE initiative through the State of Colorado:
Reverse Transfer
Reverse Transfer allows students who transferred from a Colorado two-year institution to a four-year institution to combine credits apply them toward an associate degree.
See if you qualify for a reverse transfer:
Additional Resources
These resources will contribute to your successful return and to help you overcome obstacles you may be facing.
Financial Aid – Money for College!
FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS
INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
- Community College of Denver (CCD)
- University of Colorado Denver
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
DSF SCHOLARSHIP
Contact DSF Re-engagement Manager Anitra Montoya (amontoya@denverscholarship.org) to see if you still have eligibility or start by visiting denverscholarship.org/eligibility.
STUDENT LOANS
Basic Needs
Some of these resources also exist at colleges on the Auraria campus. As a student you have access to these resources. As a non-student you can find resources below (this is not a complete list of all available resources):
FOOD RESOURCES
HOUSING RESOURCES
CHILD CARE RESOURCES
TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
As an Auraria college student you receive a student RTD Pass as part of your tuition benefits
HEALTH INSURANCE RESOURCES
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
- 988 Colorado Mental Health Line: Call, text, or live chat at for immediate, free support.
- Colorado Crisis Services: Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 for 24/7 support, or visit walk-in centers.
- NAMI Denver: Offers free support, online groups, resources, and education
- Mental Health Colorado offers information on various resources.
- HeyDenver.org also provides a list of mental health resources.
LEGAL AID RESOURCES
DACA RENEWAL ASSISTANCE
TAX ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
“Being involved in DSF’s mission changed my life. It started at the DSF Future Center at West, where I received the wraparound support and resources. Then came the DSF scholarship which helped financially, and the DSF Success team. That’s where I connected with my DSF Campus Advisors, which helped me in college and moving forward continuing to impact many students to come.”
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