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ABOUT FORWARD STEPS
The Forward Steps Guardian Scholars program supports Colorado current and former foster youth as they pursue a postsecondary education. Our program provides financial, social and enhanced skill-building support to foster youth who are currently enrolled, or will be enrolled, in an associate, bachelor, trade or certificate program.
Guardian Scholars will receive financial support each semester tailored to their particular circumstances including: (1) a $1,500.00 baseline stipend split between the beginning and end of each semester and (2) up to $1,500.00 in additional support to cover emergency/urgent needs, housing, and childcare expenses as needed on a case-by-case basis, dependent on available funding. All financial support goes directly to the scholar.
Equally important to the mission of Forward Steps, in addition to financial assistance, Guardian Scholars receive one-on-one mentoring with a professional mentor. Forward Steps recognizes no two paths are the same, which is why we prioritize getting to know our scholars in an authentic mentor relationship, centered on scholar life experience and individualized support needs. Mentor support is customized to scholar individual needs regarding resource navigation, academic and career coaching, opportunities for personal and professional development, access to tutoring, community building, and community support.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the following application form and provide all necessary supporting documentation by our priority deadline of June 30th for the Fall 2026 semester, or by October 31st for the Spring 2027 semester.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR COMPLETE APPLICATION
- A copy of your high school transcripts (or GED) and, if applicable, transcripts from any previously attended college.
- FAFSA summary page generated by completing a FAFSA Application or supplying a copy of the completion results of The Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) form.
- Signed "Confirmation of Foster Care Dependency Form." Please contact us if you have questions about how to obtain this documentation.
- Postsecondary Financial-Aid award letter for the corresponding school year
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must have verifiable experience in the foster care system.
- First time applicants must apply before their 26th birthday.
- Applicants must be residents of Colorado and plan to attend, or are currently attending a public Colorado postsecondary institution (i.e. a community college, trade school, or 4-year university).
- Scholars must have a high school diploma or a GED before beginning their first semester of college.
- Applicants must meet financial aid requirements and demonstrate unmet financial need.
APPLICATION LINK:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GSapplicationFA26SP27
If you need any additional assistance or accommodations in completing this application, please contact Program Manager, Nicole Jones directly at 720.793.0020 or [email protected]. |
