FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE FAFSA

The office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) provides approximately $120.8 billion in grant, work-study, and loan funds each year to help students and their families pay for college or career school. 

• This guide walks students through the FAFSA form step by step.

• The 2026-27 FAFSA by College Money Matters video on YouTube may also be helpful. 

COLORADO FREE APPLICATION DAY: 

2026 Colorado Free Application Days Will Be Oct. 20-22, 2026 -   CO Free Application Day

SCHOLARSHIPS SEARCHES:

• Fastweb

• Cappex

• Unigo

• Gocollege

• Raise Me

• Scholarships.com

• SoFi

• BigFutureRaise Me

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

• The Denver Foundation

• Daniel's Scholarship Program

• Lyceum Scholars Program at Clemson

• Boettcher Scholarship

• Boston University

• Lands' End Scholarship

• Sachs Scholarship - The Sachs Foundation is an Undergraduate Scholarship, supporting Black students in Colorado with $10,000 per year for up to four years of full-time study.

• BrightFuture - Weld Country Residents

• The Coolidge Scholarship -  A prestigious, full-ride, four-year merit scholarship for sophomores/juniors to study at any accredited U.S. university.

• National Merit Scholarship Program: Juniors must take the PSAT/NMSQT to enter this program, with winners announced during senior year.

• Dell Scholars Program: Offers $20,000, a laptop, and ongoing support for students with a demonstrated need who overcome obstacles.

• Horatio Alger Scholarships: Targets high school juniors who have faced great obstacles and demonstrated financial need, with awards up to $25,000.

• Alexander Hamilton Scholars: A program for high-achieving, service-oriented juniors.

• Davidson Fellows Scholarship: Provides up to $50,000 for significant, original work in various categories.

• United States Senate Youth Program: For juniors/seniors interested in public service, including a $10,000 scholarship. 

Essay-Based and Specialized Opportunities

• Profile in Courage Essay Contest: Asks for essays on political courage, open to grades 9-12.

• Ayn Rand Essay Contests: (Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, Anthem) For students writing on Ayn Rand's novels.

• VFW Voice of Democracy Competition: Audio-essay contest with significant prizes.

• Doodle for Google: Artistic competition with a $30,000 prize.

• Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest: For creative work raising awareness about ocean issues. 

Scholarship Tips:

• Take the PSAT: This is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship.

• Start Early: Many applications open during the fall of the junior year and have deadlines throughout the spring.

• Build Your Profile: Focus on leadership, community service, and academic performance.

• Look for "No Essay" Options: Use platforms like Niche, Cappex, and CollegeXpress for faster applications. 

For more financial aid information reach out to your college rep.  Also check out these Colleges That Offer Complete Financial Aid and learn more about non-government loans.

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• SAT/PSAT

  • Math

• CLT

• CERT

Register to take a CLEP exam and receive college credit at 2,900 colleges.

• Thomas More College - Rome

• CLT Brochure - Summer Programs

• Hillsdale -  High School Summer Study & Travel Programs

• Heritage Foundation

Introducing The Heritage Foundation’s High School Fellowship—a transformative fellowship designed to connect and equip bright high school students, like yourself, to defend your values in the classroom and throughout your lives.  As a High School Fellow, you won’t just watch from the sidelines. You’ll be engaged in the national conservative conversation, participate in real-life policy projects, and connect with influential leaders.  

If you’re a high school student ready to take your conservative leadership to the next level, apply for the Heritage High School Fellowship today. 

Location: The Heritage Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Dates: June 22 - 28, 2025

Housing: Students will stay in nearby accommodations and attend training at Heritage’s main campus.

Cost: Every accepted student will receive a full scholarship covering travel, housing, meals, course materials, and tour activities.

1. Decide what two teachers you want to request Letter of Recommendations from

2. Request LOR in person and make sure they are able to write the letter.  Remember, teachers are very busy so give them plenty of time.  Requests should be made by quarter four of your junior year, but no later than one month before a deadline.

3. Complete the required LOR Request Form and send your parents the Parent Form