Gil Mendoza will walk across the stage at FRCC’s commencement before he graduates from high school.
Editor’s note: April is Concurrent Enrollment Month in Colorado. This story demonstrates the vital role that concurrent enrollment plays in providing high school students with access to tuition-free college courses, helping them earn credits and prepare for their futures.
At just 17 years old, Gildebardo Mendoza is already nearing a milestone many students don’t reach until years after high school: earning a college degree.
Through concurrent enrollment at Front Range Community College, he has spent all four years of high school balancing two very different academic worlds—as a high schooler and a college student at the same time. And he’s managed to excel in both.
One Month, Two Graduations
A student at Westgate Community High School, Gil is graduating in May with his high school diploma—and his Associate of Science degree.
That opportunity has made a major financial impact on his family.
“My mom did the math, and we saved roughly $20,000,” Gil says.
Beyond the financial savings, Gil describes his experience at FRCC as a meaningful transition into adulthood.
A Middle Ground
“Everyone is an adult here, and it’s a lot more relaxed then high school,” Gil says. “Being at FRCC feels like a middle ground between high school and the real world.”
Balancing high school and college coursework wasn’t always easy, however. Early on, managing time and staying on top of weekly assignments proved challenging.
“It was a little rough for a couple years,” Gil admits, adding that he found the balance during his sophomore year.
Accepting Help
Support from family, friends and faculty played a key role in Gil’s success in school.
“I think my parents supported me the most during my academic career along with my professors and my friends,” he says. His FRCC professors offered flexibility and understanding when he needed it most and his friends helped lift his spirits.
A Place to Explore Options
Gil also highlights the flexibility FRCC offers for students who are exploring their interests.
“A big part of what I liked about FRCC is the variety of opportunities,” Gil says.
His academic journey even opened unexpected doors creatively.
“When I started at FRCC, I wasn’t a big fan of art,” Gil says. “But I had credits I could use for art classes, and I was like, ‘Whoa.’ I was able to use that to progress in drawing and get better at art while getting college credit for it.”
Outside of school, Gil enjoys drawing, gaming, reading manga, going to the gym and spending time with his cats—Megatron, Okameekri, Umbreon and Yoda.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, he plans to attend Florida Polytechnic University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
His long-term goal is to have a career in tech with strong stability and growth potential.
“My dream job would be in IT,” he adds.
Gil’s story reflects the impact of concurrent enrollment—not just in saving time and money, but in building confidence, expanding opportunities and preparing students for the future.
Why This Matters
Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed April as Concurrent Enrollment Month in Colorado, and stories like Gil’s highlight the profound impact these programs have on our students’ futures. By partnering with local high schools, FRCC expands access to higher education, supports students in achieving their goals earlier and strengthens pathways into high-demand careers.
Concurrent enrollment:
- Helps students save thousands in tuition
- Provides early exposure to college expectations
- Supports diverse learners in reaching their goals
- Strengthens partnerships between schools and communities
Through programs like this, FRCC continues to advance its commitment to ensuring students like Gil can thrive both in the classroom and beyond.
