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The biggest step in your financial aid journey is completing the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completion of the application does not obligate one to any loans of any kind, it simply tells you what you qualify for. The number given at the end of your application also tells schools how much they need to compensate for in automatic financial aid. ALWAYS be sure to do your FAFSA!
Watch for more information about SCHS FAFSA Night. We will post information here and send it out to families.
FAFSA will open October 1. Watch for more details!
The Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) is the State Financial Aid application for undocumented, Colorado ASSET students. The CASFA bridges equity gaps and creates access to postsecondary education for Colorado ASSET students. Students who do not have lawful immigration status and who do not meet the ASSET qualifications are still encouraged to apply for institutional aid using the CASFA. Students who are eligible for Federal Title IV aid by completing the FAFSA should not complete the CASFA.
La Solicitud de Ayuda Financiera Estatal de Colorado (CASFA) es la solicitud de Ayuda Financiera Estatal para estudiantes indocumentados ASSET de Colorado. CASFA cierra las brechas de equidad y crea acceso a la educación postsecundaria para los estudiantes ASSET de Colorado. Los estudiantes que no tienen estatus migratorio legal y que no cumplen con los requisitos de ASSET todavía son alentados a solicitar ayuda institucional utilizando CASFA. Los estudiantes que son elegibles para recibir ayuda federal del Título IV al completar la FAFSA no deben completar CASFA.
The thought of finding and applying for scholarships can be daunting- let us help! Utilizing organizations that specialize in finding specific scholarships takes the guess work out of "what's out there?" Millions of dollars of scholarships go unawarded each year, so always apply- you never know what you can get!
There are several different types of financial aid, and understanding them is crucial. Below is a breakdown of the most commone types:
Grants
Free money that does not need to be paid back. FAFSA/CASFA completion is required to qualify for the Pell Grant. Maxixmum pell grant for 24-25 school year is $7,395.
Scholarships
Free money that does not need to be paid back. Provided by private donors and community organizations. Most schools have their own merit scholarships. Must be applied for individually. For some, FAFSA/CASFA may be required.
Work Study
Federal or state funded, need based program that allows students to work part-time on campus or with and approved off-campus employer to earn money for educational expenses. FAFSA/CASFA completion is required.
Federal Loans
Must be paid back, typically with interest. Students and parents can borrow money from the federal government to pay for school. Must complete FAFSA to qualify. Some loans are eligible for forgiveness through specific career fields.
Direct Subsidized Loans: No interest while enrolled at least half-time.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans: With interest while enrolled at least half-time.
Direct PLUS Loans: With interest while enrolled at least half-time.
Bank and Private Lender Loans
Not a part of federal loan system and not eligible for loan forgiveness programs. Be cautious and double check interest rates and terms. Credit checks are required.
Scholarship Search Sites
Register for free to search and apply for scholarships- all at once. Many different resources- not just scholarships! FAFSA tracking, checklists, etc.
Browse scholarships specific to Colorado and see what the state has to offer!
Browse scholarships available to Colorado residents through scholarships.com
Free site to find and apply for scholarships, many Colorado specific.
College Planning Resources
Unique Scholarship Opportunities
Unique Scholarship Opportunities
Lumiere Scholars Essay Award 2025- Deadline November 2nd, see website for specific details.
Denver Foundation Community Scholarship- Helping 1st generation, economically disadvantaged students through our own scholarship fund.
Falcon Education Foundation Scholarship- $500-$5,000 depending on number and quality of applications.
Horatio Alger Association- Over 600 scholarship available, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.
Sachs Foundation- Up to $10,000 for four years for African American students.
Foundation 649- AAPI Scholarship, $4,000 over 4 years
Hispanic Heritage Youth Award- $3,000 educational gran
Sallie Mae's $2,000 Scholarship- No essay!
Hagan Scholarship- $2,000 for essentials, $7,500/semester for tuition, $8,000 to study abroad, recipients can apply for a $30,000 Graduate Scholarship for graduate school.
Edvisors- $2,000, monthly applications
Johnson & Wales Future Food Culinary Scholarship- for Culinary students
Boston University Trustee Scholarship
White Rose Scholarship Foundation- Colorado Residents
"No Sweat" Scholarship- no essay, no GPA requirement
Colorado Opportunity Scholarships Initiative
Scholarship Resource for Students with Disabilities- Through Colorado Department of Higher Education
Other Financial Aid Opportunities (State and Federal)
Other Financial Aid Opportunities (State and Federal)
Colorado Department of Higher Education- Financial aid resources
Education and Training Voucher Program- For students who were in foster care (or a kinship placement) on or after their 14th birthday. Federal program.
FosterEd- For students who have been in foster care (including kinship placement) from 13 on. Sate program. Last dollar aid.
EmpowerEd- For students who have at any time been on the McKinney-Vento program while in high school in Colorado. Last dollar aid.
Colorado Promise- Making college affordable for Colorado students. Learn more about different programs.
Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation- Initiative for Colorado qualified high school students in a teaching pathway.
Path4Ward- pilot program allowing students from low-income households who graduate early from participating high schools to receive funding for postsecondary education or training programs during what would have been their fourth year of high school.
Care Forward Colorado- Through the Colorado Community College System, specific to healthcare career fields.
Career Advance Colorado- Zero-cost training programs through the Colorado Community College System.
Scholarship Tips for Success:
Follow the directions outlined for the scholarship.
If there is a word or page limit, follow it!
Include all supporting documents that are requested.
Save these documents- you may need them again.
Be specific and detailed about you past challenges and achievements.
Be honest and be yourself.
Don't use profane or crude language and be cautious with slang.
Indicate "Not Applicable (N/A)" where appropriate.
Don't leave questions blank.
Complete all sections.
Pay attention to deadlines.
Understand whether the application deadline states "postmarked by" vs. "received by."
Make a calendar appointment to follow up as needed.
Don't wait until the last minute! You may need transcripts or recommendation letters.
PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! And then have someone else proofread (like maybe a really awesome English teacher...)
If you're awarded, send a thank you note.
Be sure to stay within the scholarship award guidelines to be considered again for renewable scholarships (maintaining a GPA, continuing participation in a sport or activity, etc.).
Save a copy of the questions and responses for future reference.
Major scholarship opportunities exist for many of our top performing students. The following opportuntities should not be passed up. We will have informational meetings for qualifying students throughout the year, so watch your email for more information!
Application for the 26-27 school year opens September 1st. Come back in the fall for the new application. One of Colorado's most prestigious scholarships. It is an intensive application process but it's worth it!
Four year, full-ride scholarship (total package award of $100,000- $225,000)
Application for the 26-27 school year opens September 15th. Come back in the fall for the new application. Specifically designed for families who struggle financially, the Daniels Fund covers the full cost of attendance at partner school in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Students who choose to go outside the four state region will receive up to $25,000/year for qualified educational experiences.
The National College Match application opens soon! This college and scholarship application connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to top colleges and lifelong opportunities through QuestBridge. If you're a high school senior, sign up for the mailing list to be notified when the application opens.
Most colleges offer their own scholarships, as well. Below are four of the most common schools our students apply to and their financial aid sites.
Pre-Collegiate Opportunities for 9th Grade
Opportunities available for Scholars to receive scholarships, attend workshops, take college courses, and more!
3-year college development program with summer experiences. There is potential to earn admission to CC upon completion of the program.
Applications open in November, teacher nominations are required.
Other in state pre-collegiate opportunities...
Other in state pre-collegiate opportunities...
Out of state pre-collegiate opportunities...
Out of state pre-collegiate opportunities...
Columbia University Pre-College Programs- Private Ivy League university in New York. If you have Ivy League goals, Pre-College programs can be a big boost!
Brown University Pre-College Programs- Private Ivy League university in Rhode Island. Another great oportunity if you have Ivy League goals!
Montclair State University Pre-College Programs- Public university in New Jersey
UC Santa Barbara Pre-College Programs- Public university in Santa Barbara, California
Pratt Institute Pre-College Programs- Private art school in New York.
Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program- Private school of art and design in Rhode Island.
Stanford University Pre-College Programs- Private university in California. Over 60 summer programs to chose from. Another great option if you have Ivy League aspirations! Stanford is not an Ivy League school, however, it is of the same caliber in terms of quality of education and reputation.
University of Massachusetts at Boston Pre-College Programs- Public university in Boston, MA
American University Pre-College Programs- Private university in Washington, DC
University of California at Los Angeles Pre-college Programs- Public university in Los Angeles, California.
Did you know that Colorado offers free application days? Schools in Colorado waive application fees and this is the perfect time to submit your college applications! Dates for 2024 are Tuesday October 7 - Thursday October 9 2024. We will host application events to assist in the process.
Visit the Colorado Department of Higher Education website for more information and a complete list of participating schools.
Ready to get started on college applictions? Check out Common App and Common Black App!
Complete multiple applications at once! Ease the process of applying to colleges with your one-stop-shop!
Apply to multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities at once! This is your resource to find all of our HBCUs and apply in one go!
If you are planning on going to college in Colorado, don't forget your College Opportunity Fund! It is a FREE stipend from the state to encourage students to stay in Colorado! You only apply once and it follows you all through college- even if you transfer (as long as you stay in state!). EVERYONE is approved for the COF- there's no reason to skip it!
Not sure if you want to stay in Colorado for college?
Not sure if you want to stay in Colorado for college?
No problem! Check out the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Formed under the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, over 160 participating schools provide near instate tuition for out of state students! Browse participating schools and programs to learn more and discover more possibilities!
Need help? Let us know! Complete this form and one of us will get back to you!
Need help with essays? The following sites have free resources!
Don't know what you want to do after high school? That's okay! You can check out My Colorado Journey and see what kinds of careers may be available. We are here to help and talk through your options. While college is an incredibly opportunity, it is not the best fit for everyone. We want to support you in whatever choice is best for you and will help you find your way there.
Student Success Team
Sarah Rawlinson- Dean of Academic Advisement, last names M-Z
Mike Sory- Dean of Academic Advisement, last names A-L
Tracy Trowbridge, School Counselor, last names A-L
Myranda Taylor, School Counselor, last names M-Z
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