Denver Foundation Community Scholarship for First-Gen Students

The Denver Foundation is offering a valuable opportunity for first-generation, economically disadvantaged college students. The Denver Foundation Community Scholarship aims to support students pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarship aligns with the foundation’s commitment to racial equity and education.

Scholarship Eligibility

Students must meet several requirements to apply for this scholarship. The Denver Foundation seeks applicants who are:

First-generation college students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
Enrolled or planning to enroll in a Colorado-accredited, nonprofit, post-secondary institution
Demonstrating financial need through FAFSA, CAFSA, or a financial aid questionnaire
Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher
Actively involved in their community through work or volunteering

Selection Criteria

The scholarship committee will evaluate applicants based on several factors. They will consider academic performance, resilience, persistence, leadership, and community service. Work experience will also play a role in the selection process.

Scholarship Award Details

The foundation will select ten recipients for the 2025 scholarship cycle. Each student will receive a one-time award of $5,000. The funds can cover tuition, fees, books, room and board, or other academic expenses.

Scholarship renewal is not automatic. However, past recipients may reapply for the award in subsequent years. The foundation will send funds directly to the recipient’s educational institution. Each award must be used for the upcoming academic year. The disbursement process depends on the policies of the recipient’s college or university.

How to Apply

Interested students must complete a detailed application process. The Denver Foundation uses a universal application to match students with available scholarships. Applicants should follow these steps:

Review the eligibility requirements to ensure they qualify.
Gather and submit the following documents:
- Resume
- Academic transcript
- Financial need documentation (FAFSA, CAFSA, or financial aid questionnaire)
- Two essays:
  - Describe your intended field of study, inspiration, and career goals.
  - Explain how you demonstrate leadership in daily life.

Application Timeline

Opening Date: February 3, 2025
Closing Date: April 30, 2025
Scholarship Amount: $5,000

Students can submit applications through the foundation’s online portal. The platform allows applicants to save and edit their work. It also enables them to apply for multiple scholarship opportunities.

Need Help with the Application?

The Denver Foundation provides resources to assist applicants. A five-minute instructional video explains how the universal application process works.

For technical support, applicants can contact help@denverfoundation.org. For other inquiries, they may reach out to Melissa Rosscup at mrosscup@denverfoundation.org.

Conclusion

The Denver Foundation Community Scholarship offers first-generation students a chance to achieve their educational goals. This scholarship provides financial support and recognizes leadership, resilience, and community service. Eligible students should apply before the deadline to take advantage of this opportunity.