March 1, 2023 (Denver, CO) – The Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges (the Foundation) opened its scholarship application for the 2023-2024 academic year today, offering financial aid opportunities for students attending or planning to attend any of the 13 Colorado Community College System (CCCS) colleges next academic year. Applications are due by midnight on Sunday, April 16.  

The scholarship process is easy to complete and qualifies students for a variety of opportunities, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Last summer, the Foundation awarded a record-breaking $568,923 in scholarships to 310 community college students—a 112% increase from the previous year. There is a variety of scholarships available with one that fits every type of student. 

“Our total applicants and awards have grown dramatically in recent years, and we are thrilled to support the next cohort of scholars working alongside our generous donors,” said J. Adam Cermak, executive director of the Foundation. “Thanks to our low tuition rates, providing awards of $1,000 or more are truly transformational for the students we serve.”  

Applicants go through a holistic selection process that focuses on the student’s goals and circumstances, including a review of their financial need and short written responses about their education, career plans, and community involvement. To make the process more inclusive, the CCCS Foundation does not require transcripts, resumes, or interviews that often prevent students from applying.  

“I didn’t want to get into a bunch of debt for college. I needed to be able to supplement my income,” said Tabitha Hunt, a former Merritt Family Opportunity Scholarship recipient who studied welding at Pueblo Community College. “I honestly don’t know where I would be without the scholarship. It’s a huge, huge relief, and it has enabled me to actually do this—to be a college graduate at 40.” 

For more information on the Foundation scholarship process, visit https://cccs.edu/foundation-for-colorado-community-colleges/scholarships.   

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About the Foundation For Colorado Community Colleges 

Founded in 1987, the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges advances the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of the Colorado Community College System. Specifically, the Foundation actively seeks contributions from public and private sources to make scholarships available statewide, advance key programmatic initiatives, provide training and support for CCCS college foundations, and develop partnerships to implement state of the art programs that meet the workforce needs of the 21st century. 

About CCCS 

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at www.cccs.edu