About Us
Our Story
The College and Career Centers were created to support all students of Aurora with the access and resources to make informed decisions on their post secondary plan. Our core value is every student can shape a successful future. An advisor works in the College and Career Center to provide you resources, information, assist you with applications, reviewing college and scholarship essays, connecting you to employers and much more. Learn more about your College and Career Center Coordinator below!
Our Students' Testimonies
"The College and Career Center helped me receive a full ride scholarship to MSU Denver while also making a plan for what I will be doing in the future. Given the support in the College and Career Center, I feel confident in the direction I will be taking even after college. "
- Leslie Gallegos, Metropolitian State Univeristy of Denver DREAM.us Scholar
"Senior year was more difficult that I could have ever anticipated. Navigating through the complicated processes of FAFSA, college applications and scholarships was daunting. Thankfully, I has someone to walk me through the steps and give me some personal advise. Honestly, if it were not for the helped I received in the College and Career Center, I don't know where I'd be."
-Medan Mamo, University of Northern Colorado
"My advisor always supported me and my decisions, whether it was college related or if it was a decision I was making at home. She took me step by step through the FAFSA and my college applications. She consistently made sure I was prepared for my future and I’ll always love her for that!"
- Tytianna Wyatt, University of Washington- Tacoma
"High School can be tough and there is a lot of pressure laid on you to perform well. However, the College and Career Center is the type of place that will help and take a chunk of that burden off of you. Because of the College and Career Center, not only will I be going to CSU, but I also learned and improved many important skills that I can take with me forever."
- Akrom Amonov, Colorado State University- Fort Collins
The College and Career Center Coordinators
Julia Montijo
Aurora Central High School
Julia was born and raised in Monteria Colombia. Moved to Colorado at the age of fourteen, where she completed her high school diploma and then earned a bachelor degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. As a first generation student, Julia has been very passionate to help others achieve post-secondary education.
Throughout her time at the Community College of Denver and later at Emily Griffith Technical College, Julia has made it her personal mission to connect students to the resources that best fit them. She is a big advocate for undocumented students and loves working with high school students.
Coming Soon
Aurora West College Prep., William Smith High School and APS Avenues
Asawer Alhilo
Gateway High School
Hello, My name is Ms. Asawer and I am the College and Career Advisor here at Gateway! I have been living in Denver CO. since the age of 5 when my family immigrated from Iraq. I speak both English and Arabic fluently. After high school I went to the University of Colorado Denver for my Bachelors degree and then went to the University of Denver for my Masters degree in Higher Education. During my time off I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also really love to travel, and working with youth to help them figure out post-secondary plans.
Cecilia Jaquez Gomez
Hinkley High School
Cecilia is a Hinkley High School alumni and a former College Career Center student. She is a Community College of Aurora & Colorado State University graduate, with an Associate of Science & B.S in Finance.
Prior to joining the College and Career Success team, she was a coordinator for a program at CSU. She also has experience in tax, investment, and corporate accounting.
Shauna Meyer
Rangeview High School
Before joining the College & Career Center Success team, she worked as a leader, a corporate trainer and the manager of training at several companies including Disney, AAA and 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.
Shauna previously worked in APS at Rangeview High School and Fletcher Intermediate. She is excited to return to the district and help our students reach their post graduation goals.
Grace Jimenez
Vista Peak Preparatory
Grace is a first generation Mexican American, who was born and raised in Denver. Grace completed her undergraduate degree at Colorado State University in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Leadership and Entrepreneurship.
Grace has worked with students for the past four years through a mentoring program called Los Caminos, as well as through Denver Scholarship Foundation, focusing on diverse communities and post secondary planning.