Career Academy - FAQ

Who can participate in Career Academy?

High school juniors and seniors who attend high school through a school district or charter school that has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aims for the Career Academy Program may be considered for a slot.

Can a student who is under the age of 16 participate in the Career Academy program?

Career Academy is offered as an intensive, mature, on-campus experience for high school juniors and seniors, and students are responsible for ensuring their own reliable transportation to and from class. When it makes sense, an “under 16” student may be permitted to participate in one of the programs with their high school’s approval.

Med Prep Students:  The Colorado State Board of Nursing’s Nurse Aide Exam, taken in the Spring Semester by Med Prep students, requires that the student be at least 16 years of age. 

EMT: To participate in this program, students must be a high school senior or turn age 18 by the 31st of August following the completion of their Career Academy coursework.

Do students with documented disabilities need to meet the minimum requirements and prerequisites of the college and CTE program/courses?

Yes. Read about student responsibilities from the Aims Accessibility Services web page and check out Concurrent Enrollment for Students with Disabilities from the Colorado Department of Education.

How much does Career Academy cost the student?

Currently, the cost of the program (tuition, fees*, course materials and other supplies) is paid by the student's school district; however, review the school district's policy about any monetary consequences of withdrawal and/or unsatisfactory grades. 

*Second-year Career Academy aviation students who are accepted into the flight program are responsible for paying their own flight costs.

What is the first step in getting started in Career Academy?

Students should discuss their interest in Career Academy with their high school counselor. Aims and participating schools have a formal process for communicating the names of students who are both interested in participating and for whom the school district will provide funding if the student is awarded a slot in the program. All students interested in Career Academy participation must have an active Concurrent Enrollment application for admission on file with Aims. The Aims application for admission is accessed at aims.edu through the red “apply” button.

Who registers Career Academy students for their courses?

Aims High School Programs staff registers students for their Career Academy courses. Students should check their Workday account to view their class schedule and be apprised of important course dates, such as course drop and withdrawal deadlines.

Who is responsible for dropping/withdrawing Career Academy students from their course(s), if needed?

It depends. It is best for a student to first speak with their high school counselor about their intentions to drop or withdraw and for the counselor to communicate with the Career Academy coordinator. Depending on the situation, the student might drop or withdraw from a course on their own or with the help of their counselor, or the Career Academy coordinator may do so. Communication among all parties is essential.