Student Experience

Cumbres Teacher Preparation Program

Experience Growth and Community

The Cumbres Program provides a dynamic experience for students through its Learning Community, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development. Students gain a strong sense of connection, collaborating with both peers and mentors in a supportive environment. With a focus on personal and professional growth, the program offers leadership training to help students develop valuable skills that will set them up for success in their academic journey and future careers.

Join the Cumbres Learning Community

As a freshman, you’ll take a class with other students. We reserve a classroom just for Cumbres students. This helps you build strong connections with your peers and creates a supportive learning community.

Cohort Class

Our first-year students take EDEC 250 (Diverse Early Language and Literacy) together fall semester.  This is one of the first classes in the CLD Endorsement, and you will be with your Cumbres peers in order to build community and be able to encourage each other.

If you bring credits or AP scores for these classes, you will not need to register for them at UNC.  Also if you are in the Center for Human Enrichment program, you will take their priority classes and add Cumbres classes as your schedule allows.

Student Experience

Cumbres student working in class
A female teacher teaching a group of students
Two female students working together
A group of female students are working together at a table
A female student smiling at another student in class

Hear From Our Students

Cumbres was a big part of my education. Since the start, Aldo, Penny, and I created a special relationship. Two of my most special mentors. They have been supporting me through everything. I love greeting them in the hallways and feel I am seen for my hard work and determination. I enjoy the Cumbres activities and opportunities available for us. This organization holds a special place in my heart!

– Diana Diaz Orzuna, May ‘26 Elementary Ed. Graduate

Being a part of the Cumbres program has been a truly life-changing experience. It has given me the courage to find my inner strength. I’ve been able to step outside my comfort zone, ask for help, and grow as a leader. From the start, I felt welcomed into a supportive community of peers and mentors who share a commitment to effectively support students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) backgrounds. The mentorship component, in particular, was instrumental in gaining real-world classroom experience. I am immensely grateful for the support I have received from Penny and Aldo throughout my time at UNCo

– Stephanie Serrano, Dec. ’25 Special Ed. Graduate

Cumbres was one of the best opportunities I had in college to help develop my skills as an educator. Through Cumbres I was able to get connected on campus with my peers and the faculty at a deeper level. The opportunity of a mentor teacher your first year through Cumbres gives you the chance to get in the classroom sooner rather than later to start making connections in District 6 and learning from experienced CLD teachers. Additionally, the scholarship helps take off some finical burden so that you can focus on becoming the best teacher you can and give back to your community. I will be forever grateful for the Cumbres program.

– Isa Schulte, Dec. ’25 Elementary Ed. Graduate

Mentorship Program for First-Year Students

As a first-year student (including transfers), you’ll be matched with a teacher who will help you throughout the year. You’ll volunteer in your mentor’s classroom, getting hands-on experience and learning more about teaching. Many of these teachers are former Cumbres students or community partners who know our program and want to help you succeed. This mentorship will help you learn and make important connections in education.

The goal of the mentorship component is to connect you with a local teacher to gain access and experience from the teacher’s point of view. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the profession and help you determine that education is the right career for you.

  • Form a working, professional, and personal relationship with your mentor
  • Initiate all meetings and keep track of your reflection papers and turn them in on time
  • Meet with students a minimum of twice per semester. More meetings are welcomed!
  • Communicate openly with Staff
  • Be a positive role model for students
  • Provide real-world advice and experience for teacher candidates
  • All Mentees are required to submit two reflection papers every semester
  • Reflection papers are due the Friday before finals every semester

Leadership Development

The Cumbres Program helps future teachers become strong leaders in their schools and communities. We want you to be the kind of teacher that schools want to hire, parents can trust, and students enjoy learning from.

You will go to leadership workshops, do community service, and complete a leadership project before you graduate. These activities help you build confidence, try new things, and learn how to be a leader. We encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and grow as both a teacher and a leader.

Fall 2024 Leadership Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

We focus on recruiting new freshmen and transfer students who are starting their first year at UNC. This way, you can join the Cumbres community from the very beginning. We give a lot of support to our first-year students and want you to get the full Cumbres experience.

As a new freshman or transfer student, you will get the Cumbres scholarship during your first semester, no matter what your GPA was before coming to UNC. To keep the scholarship, you need to have a 2.75 GPA or higher at UNC.

If your GPA drops below 2.75, you can still stay in the Cumbres Program, but you won’t receive the semester scholarship until you raise your GPA back to 2.75.

You will still need to complete all program activities like community service, mentor reflections, and leadership requirements. We will continue to support and guide you as you work to improve your grades.

Yes, you can apply to Cumbres no matter your citizenship or residency status.

We look at your interest in becoming a teacher and your commitment to earning the CLD endorsement when making admission decisions.

Please note:

  • You will need to do a fingerprint and background check to volunteer in classrooms.

  • You will also need to show certain documents when you take the Praxis test and apply for a teaching license in Colorado.

If you change your major to something outside of education or drop the CLD endorsement, you can no longer be in the Cumbres Program.

To stay in Cumbres, you must:

  • Be an education major (like Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, Secondary, or K–12)

  • Keep working toward your CLD endorsement

Have questions? Contact us!