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Beyond Colorado: DSST Students Take Their College Search Across the Country

This spring, a group of DSST juniors packed their bags, boarded planes, and did something that changed the way they see their futures. Through DSST's Early Exposure Program (DEEP), students traveled to Boston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles over Spring Break to visit some of the most celebrated college campuses in the country — and came back with a whole new sense of what's possible. 

At DSST Public Schools, we believe that college is more than a destination — it's a doorway. Since our founding, 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program, and our college counseling work begins as early as 9th grade. DEEP is one of the most powerful expressions of that commitment: a program that puts students physically on the campuses they've only ever seen in brochures, and asks them to imagine themselves there.

Participants are selected based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and fit for the schools they visited. Based on their preferences, students traveled to one of three cities: Boston, Atlanta, or Los Angeles. What they brought back was far more than souvenirs.

Aurora Science & Tech Founding Class Member Earns Full Ride: How Alexa Rodriguez Helped Build a School — and a Future

When Aurora Science & Tech High School opened its doors, it didn't have a long history, a legacy of alumni, or decades of tradition. What it had was a group of students willing to help build something from the ground up.

Ashlee's Story of Family Legacy, Love, and a Future in Pediatric Nursing

"It's pushed me to try and do something better for myself and for my family." — Ashlee, DSST: Cedar High School Senior

100% Admission: Celebrating the Class of 2026

The Class of 2026 has done it. Every DSST senior has been admitted to college or a postsecondary program. It’s a milestone that reflects not only academic achievement, but years of resilience, mentorship, and community support. From first‑generation college goers to students pursuing skilled trades and service pathways, this class is stepping into the world with purpose and possibility.

Celebrating Neurodiversity Acceptance Month through Student Stories (Clone)

April is Neurodiversity Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate the full range of human minds and the unique strengths each person brings to our community. Across DSST, that celebration isn't confined to a single month. It shows up every day, in classrooms, on mountain slopes, on stages, and on yoga mats. This year has given us no shortage of moments to be proud of. Here are just a few stories from center programs across the network that bring this month’s special celebration to life.

Supporting New Teachers: DSST's Mentorship Program Pilot Launches This Spring

 A new DSST Public Schools initiative to ensure every new educator is known, supported, and empowered to thrive

At DSST, we believe that thriving teachers lead to thriving students. That's why we launched a New Educator Mentorship Program Pilot this spring at four DSST campuses: College View High School, Cedar Middle & High School, Conservatory Green High School, and Aurora Science & Tech High School.

Damian is Locked-In — And He's Not Looking Back

Meet Damian, athlete and DSST: College View Senior, now headed to college this fall.

From the Football Field to a College Campus

Damian plays football for Sheridan High School and has spent two years developing the discipline and drive that now fuel his academic ambitions. His passion for the game sparked something bigger: a dream to pursue sports management in college.

That kind of clarity and knowing your direction while staying open to the journey, is exactly what DSST's Graduate Profile is built around: developing a sense of self, purpose, and the college-ready skills to back it up.

Feature Friday: Chad Heltzel knows what words can do (Clone)

There's a poem Chad Heltzel wrote more than 15 years ago that almost never saw the light of day. It sat in a dissertation, then in a manuscript, then in a drawer - revised, resubmitted, rejected and nearly abandoned. Last September, it was finally published. The collection, Recording of Dead Languages, arrived quietly, without fanfare, after years of what Heltzel describes with characteristic honesty as "largely failing" to get it out into the world. And then, it was recognized as a finalist for the Society of Midland Authors Award for Poetry.

Born on the Ranch, Built at The Ranch: Jayden Gamboa is Ready for the Future

"It's not a hobby, it's my life.” — Jayden Gamboa, DSST: Green Valley Ranch Senior

Opening a New Chapter: Celebrating the Student‑Led Creation of the DSST: Elevate Northeast Library (Clone)

On a bright afternoon filled with pride, gratitude and a whole lot of joy, the DSST: Elevate Northeast community gathered to celebrate something truly extraordinary - the official opening of the Elevate Library, a space imagined, shaped and championed by students.