Scholarships Available for Local Students

Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) is currently accepting scholarship applications from local students to support their postsecondary education for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Aspen Community Foundation directs a collection of scholarship funds that help our region’s students reach their postsecondary education goals. These funds support students from diverse backgrounds and with varying college and career paths, including first-generation college attendees, low-income students, and students pursuing technical certification or apprenticeship training.

Students graduating from high schools in the Aspen to Parachute region as well as returning college students are eligible to apply (visit our scholarship page for more information). The application deadline is February 14, 2020.

“Scholarships are an important way to connect donors to community needs while providing an opportunity for students to pursue their college and career goals,” said Tamara Tormohlen, ACF’s executive director. “We’re proud of the investment we’ve made in the more than 600 students awarded scholarships since 2000.”

In addition to scholarships, ACF, through its Aspen to Parachute Cradle to Career Initiative (CCI), is providing opportunities for students to explore career options, as well as plan for postsecondary education. Since 2012, the Post High School Success project has supported dedicated college and career counseling in the public high schools. The additional services, along with scholarships, have been essential to helping students learn about career opportunities, understand postsecondary options, and have the means to realize their goals.

CCI originated in ACF’s recognition of the serious achievement gaps between low-income and more affluent youth in our region. The Initiative aims to ensure that our children are ready for kindergarten and graduate from high school ready for college and career. Using the strategy of Collective Impact, nonprofits, schools, businesses, government, civic groups, and philanthropy continue to explore effective approaches for improving outcomes for children by using data and research, strengthening networks, building community investments in youth success, and identifying opportunities for policy change. Together these partners are building a region of thriving children, supported and supportive families, and healthy communities.