Scholarship

Overview

Overview

We partner directly with Colorado Mesa University and Colorado Mountain College to provide our Guardian Scholar recipients with financial aid and ongoing support to help them graduate with an undergraduate degree and ultimately succeed in their pursuits.

THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS INTENDED ONLY FOR STUDENTS FROM EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO.

Our program includes:

  • Comprehensive Scholarship to Colorado Mesa University or Colorado Mountain College for tuition, room & board, books
  • Life coaching and mentoring
  • Academic advising
  • Financial coaching and mentoring
  • A lifetime “Alumni family.”
Guardian Scholars at a school fair

HOW TO APPLY

 Annual scholarship application due dates are posted on the application. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates who complete the application will be notified if they will be invited to participate in an in-person interview as a finalist. The candidate interviews will be held in the spring. Candidates will be notified of final awards in early May.

Guardian Scholars Scholarship Information & Requirements

Scholarship Description

  • The Guardian Scholarship is a comprehensive Renewable Scholarship to Colorado Mesa University or Colorado Mountain College 
  • The Guardian Scholarship Includes Tuition, Room, Board and Books
  • The Guardian Scholarship includes Life coaching and mentoring 
  • The Guardian Scholarship includes Career exploration and internships
  •  The Guardian Scholarship includes Financial Budgeting and an expectation that Scholars graduate without debt

Guardian Scholars Criteria for Application

  1. Applicants MUST be a graduate from an Eagle County, Colorado High School with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  2. Priority given to students who are the first generation to attend college
  3. Consideration will be given to students who have overcome significant personal obstacles
  4. Student qualifies for Federal and State Aid based on FAFSA

Guardian Scholars Personal Characteristics

Guardian Scholars are students who demonstrate a desire and ability to overcome obstacles and barriers in pursuit of their dreams and to achieve their goals. Your 2 page essay should best illustrate your:

  • Individual determination to succeed
  • Future goals and desires to achieve them
  • Self-motivation 
  • Personal character and values

Information Required for your application:

Be sure to have the following information before starting your scholarship application. Once you begin the application process, all content must be completed. The application content cannot be saved and re-opened.

  1. Your Scholarship Essay and photo.
  2. High School and CMC Transcripts –will be requested from the high school guidance office after you have submitted your scholarship application.
  3. Include SAI (Student Aid Index) from your completed FAFSA in your application. A copy of your FAFSA confirmation of submission and Student Aid Report will be submitted to the Guardian Scholars before finalist interviews.
  4. Submit one Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or employer submitted to the guidance office by the application deadline date.
  5. Include one Reference (other than your letter of recommendation) include name, e-mail, and phone number of your reference in your scholarship application - someone who will attest to your character.
  6. Confirmation of Admission to Colorado Mesa University or Colorado Mountain College.

Application to Outside Scholarships

If accepted into the program, Guardian Scholars are expected to apply to outside scholarships throughout college during each year of their participation in the scholarship.

As an aspiring applicant, we encourage you to apply to additional scholarships during your initial application process, as well. We receive many applications from highly qualified students, and we are unable to fund all qualified candidates who apply to Guardian Scholars. 

If you have questions prior to starting your scholarship application, please contact Susie Davis at [email protected] or 970-977-1093

ELIGIBILITY

The Application Process is critical to program success, including both a written application, with an essay and a face-to-face interview for finalist candidates. The essay should include a description of overcoming obstacles your life, dreams for your future, and how the Guardian Scholarship would enable you to achieve those dreams. Applicants are interviewed to assess maturity, desire, motivation, sincerity, and ability to transition to a college lifestyle. The interview has proven critical to program success. Other considerations include high school grades, ACT/SAT scores, references, extra-curricular activities, and community service. Interviews are conducted by engaged community participants who are decision-makers in the final selection process.

EXPECTATIONS

The effectiveness of the Guardian Scholarship program is attributed to its very “hands-on” support system, which establishes apparent expectations of the Scholars. Student Scholars represent themselves both as individual scholars and members of the Guardian Scholar community throughout their academic careers, actively participating in their community, their college, and the Guardian Scholar family. 

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

TESTIMONIAL