September 2025

Senior Jumpstart Day

Seniors are invited to attend a day packed with valuable tips to stay ahead in their senior year by attending Senior Jumpstart Day. Workshops will highlight FAFSA/CASFA 101; Workforce Preparation; Resume, scholarships, and college essays; and College Admissions. Permissions will be handed out on September 5th during the Senior class meeting.

When: September 22, 2025, from 8:30am to 1:30pm

Where: University of Northern Colorado's Campus Commons 

Please see Mr. Meza for additional information.

Colorado Free Application Day$

October 7-9, 2025

Colorado's eighth annual Free Applications Day$ will be held on October 7 - 9, 2025, for Colorado residents! If students submit their application any time those days, they are applying for FREE! Colorado Free Application Day$ was created to encourage Colorado’s best and brightest students to further their education in the state of Colorado. By removing barriers for students to achieve a credential, Colorado can increase the number of students who complete their programs and enter the workforce with a degree or competitive skills.

The Student Support Center at ECA will be open all three days for students to come in and work on their applications! Students should begin the application process before Free Application Day$, so that come October 7-9, students can simply submit their application. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Meza at Armando.Meza@aims.edu or refer to the Colorado Department of Higher Education. 

Get Ahead on FAFSA: Create your FSA ID Now

Parents and students, it's never too early to start preparing for financial aid. One of the first steps is creating an FSA ID—a username and password that will allow you to sign your FAFSA electronically. Both the student and the parent will need an FSA ID. Having your FSA IDs ready will save time when the FAFSA opens on October 1. Get ahead of the game by setting yours up today! 

Financial Aid

Senior year is an exciting time as you plan your next steps beyond graduation. As you consider college options and costs, it’s critical to plan ahead. The first step is completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for various types of aid, including federal, state, and school-based aid, as well as grants and scholarships. All colleges and universities use the FAFSA to create your financial aid package.

The 2026-27 FAFSA application is set to open October 1

Visit the FAFSA website for more information. 

Scholarships

College is expensive, but scholarships can help cover costs—and they don’t need to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded by various sources, including schools, businesses, non-profits, religious organizations, and the government. Each scholarship has its own deadline, criteria, and application process. Seniors can stay informed by checking our Senior Scholarship List.

Katey Ellis is an Aims Community College Professor teaching math with us this year at ECA. She is a first generation college student that started at the local community college before going on to a local University to earn a Bachelors of Science and then a Masters of Science both in Mathematics. She has a passion for teaching and meeting her students where they are. In her spare time, she enjoys painting using dots, traveling, woodworking projects, spending time with friends/family/pets, as well as working on visiting every National Park. 

Dr. Debbie Rogers is a licensed teacher in Spanish, English, ESL, Bilingual Education, and Administration. She holds a Master’s degree in Spanish Literary Studies and a Doctorate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Administration. A native speaker of both English and Spanish, Dr. Rogers brings strong linguistic and cultural expertise to her work. Originally from Chicago, she recently relocated from North Carolina with her husband and their two teenage daughters. Together, they enjoy attending musicals, traveling, going to the beach, visiting zoos, aquariums, and museums, and spending time with their two pets—a Persian kitten and a Persian cat. She is excited to be part of the school community and considers it a true pleasure to work with such amazing students.

Jess Markanich is excited to be joining Early College Academy as a part-time faculty member in Physical Education. With over nine years of experience teaching and coaching in both high school and collegiate settings, Jess brings a strong background in strength and conditioning, fitness, and athlete development. Jess earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health from South Dakota State University, where they also competed as a Division I softball player, and later completed a master’s degree in Applied Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning. At Aims, Jess will be teaching fitness-based courses with the goal of helping students develop confidence, foster growth, and cultivate lifelong healthy habits through movement. Outside the classroom, Jess enjoys coaching competitive softball, mentoring and training student-athletes, competing in Strongman and Fitness Competitions with their wife, and spending time outdoors with family. Jess looks forward to contributing to the ECA community and supporting students both academically and personally.

Mr. Ron A. Kingsford, obtained a Bachelor of Science degree  in Criminalistics (Forensics) from Weber State University and a Doctorate of Law degree from University of North Dakota in 1997.  He is a Gulf War Veteran from the United States Military.  He and his wife raised seven wonderful children.  He has worked as a practicing attorney in Northern Colorado since 1998.  He has been a guest lecturer throughout Northern Colorado and absolutely loves talking about the law to just about anyone who will listen.   He is excited to teach Criminal Justice for Aims Community College at Early College Academy and is looking forward to a wonderful year.