University of Colorado Denver & Lamar Community College
T-PREP is a program for tomorrow’s teachers living and/or working in rural communities who want to earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching license without leaving home.
Key Features
This unique pathway includes convenient, money-saving highlights.
- Start taking classes at Lamar Community College (LCC) to earn your associate’s degree.
- Complete the rest of your classes as a CU Denver student in face-to-face classes taught by CU Denver faculty on LCC’s campus in Lamar or online.
- Save money by opting into BA to MA (BAMA). In BAMA, three classes you take during your senior year double count towards both your bachelor’s and your master’s degrees and are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate.
- Expand your options as an elementary education teacher by taking two extra classes and adding a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse endorsement education teaching license.
Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree?
We are proud of you for taking the step to earn an associate’s degree. If you’ve discovered that you have a passion for education, a bachelor’s degree can open more opportunities.
- Bachelor’s degrees open career doors.
- Advance your knowledge and abilities.
- Meet the evolving requirements of educators in Colorado.
- Get prepared to work in a variety of Pre-K through 6th grade settings.
- Be prepared to serve in leadership positions in the future.
- Pay for your education by taking advantage of a variety of rural scholarships and loan forgiveness programs.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Leveraging low-cost tuition at the community college and competitive CU Denver tuition rates with reduced fees makes the T-PREP program affordable. Submit your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and you will be eligible to receive additional grants and scholarships for rural teachers.
UC Denver’s breakdown of financial aid opportunities
T-PREP at LCC Licensure Options
What ages do you want to teach? Are you dedicated to educating students with special needs? Take a look at the licensure options offered at LCC.
- Early Childhood Education (ages 0-8)
- Elementary Education (grades K-6)
- Special Education (ages 5-21)
Eligibility and Employment Status
You may have collected experience or classes for T-PREP and don’t even know it! Take a look!
- Are you already working in a school or early childhood setting? T-PREP was designed with people like you in mind.
- Have you already earned some college credit? Perfect. You are on your way! Most, if not all, of your previous credits will transfer.
- Have you graduated from high school, love your community, and want to be a teacher? T-PREP works for you, too.