Free Credits, Real Confidence: How Concurrent Enrollment Is Changing Students' Futures
April 30, 2026
Many of the students learning at Red Rocks Community College are students who are still in high school. Oftentimes, they might be sitting right next to other college students, who have no idea.
The education is the same, but the price isn’t.
Concurrent enrollment allows public high school students to take college classes, earning credits toward their high school diploma, as well as college credits. The school district where the student is enrolled pays the tuition.
But students we caught up with share that the opportunity means a lot more than just free credits to them. For some it opened up a future of possibilities, for others it left them room to focus on other interests like dance or work experiences.
Read more about how concurrent enrollment has shaped these three students’ outlooks:
Making Time for What Matters
Molly Fox has appreciated the flexibility of college classes while in high school. She is completing her high school education online, and she also takes RRCC courses online now. She loves the options it gives her for her time.
Molly said she’s been able to work and is getting a promotion to manager of the coffee shop where she works.
“I focus better online and can do everything at my own pace,” Molly said. “I can get all of my classes done and then go do work and go do dance.”
Twice a week, Molly’s education is focused on taking time to learn dance at the family studio.
“It’s a great outlet because I don’t have a chance to be super active. We live in the mountains so I can’t just go for a walk,” Molly said.
And concurrent enrollment has been helpful as Molly thinks about the cost of college. Taking classes while in high school means the student’s school district picks up the tab.
“It’s been such a blessing for me and my family,” Molly said. “None of my parents went to college, or if they did, they did not finish. And I know the dangers of student loans.”
Molly also used to wonder how she would do in college because she sometimes struggled in honors classes in high school. But she’s excelled taking concurrent enrollment classes, which has assured her she can succeed in college.
“It gives you the chance to be ahead,” Molly said.
Room to Explore
Iris Ells is also getting her high school education online and was on track to finish high school early. But she discovered concurrent enrolment and has been taking college classes to supplement her education instead.
“I like the flexibility of it and having so many options,” Iris said. “There’s definitely guidance, but mostly, I get to choose whatever I want. People are really nice and knowledgeable. It’s been great.”
Iris, now 18, is in her sixth semester at RRCC. Right now, she’s taking courses on art appreciation and philosophy. She has more than a year’s worth of college credits and is now considering what she’ll do next year, after she graduates from high school.
“Red Rocks has allowed me to explore so much,” Iris said. “Now I’m weighing my options. I’ve liked RRCC so much.”
Most likely, Iris thinks she will transfer to a four-year university to study occupational therapy. She saw her older siblings take a similar path, and benefit from the head start they also got with concurrent enrollment.
College Wasn't the Plan — Until It Was
Juliana Oleskevich is a high school student taking astronomy, world history, and graphic design education at Red Rocks Community College.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” Julianna said. “It’s free and the content they teach, it’s not any different than if you were in college.
Juliana only found out about concurrent enrollment because a friend told her about it.
Now, she’s taken classes at Warren Tech, exploring various programs, and even signed up for a photography workshop, on a whim, she said.
“It was actually really fun, and I got to hold and learn to use their big expensive cameras,” Juliana said.
After she graduates from high school this May, her plan is now to continue studying at RRCC.
Initially, she wasn’t sure if a college education was in her future, “because college is pretty expensive,” she said. But concurrent enrollment “has made it more plausible. It’s a huge help.”