Transitioning from high school to college is a big step for students, and preparation can often feel inaccessible and hard to understand. According to the Colorado Department of Higher Education, 73 percent of jobs in Colorado require postsecondary education, meaning that students who only attain a high school diploma are at a disadvantage when entering the workforce. That’s why Colorado is committed to ensuring that all students—regardless of their background—have the resources and support they need to pursue higher education. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable college prep resources available in the state:
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)
A federal initiative designed to increase college attendance among low-income and underrepresented students. GEAR UP provides one-on-one mentoring and advising, college preparatory curriculum including financial literacy and financial aid, STEM programming, concurrent enrollment opportunities, tutoring, college visits, college transition programming, summer programs, individualized assistance with the college admission process, and more. coloradogearup.org
Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF)
DSF offers need-based scholarships, help with completing forms like FAFSA, accessibility to post-high school learning, support throughout students’ collegiate careers, and full-time advisors. denverscholarship.org
Colorado Promise Program
This program assists students in paying for the first two years of college. If a student’s household income is under $90,000, they qualify for this program, which covers the cost of tuition for the first two years at any public university in Colorado. cdhe.colorado.gov
Free Application Days
Every year, Colorado’s public colleges and universities allow students to apply for free, removing a potential financial barrier for students. cdhe.colorado.gov
Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI)
This program helps match students with scholarships and provides support services such as academic enrichment programs, mentoring, and success workshops. cdhe.colorado.gov
EmpowerED
A state-funded program that provides higher education funding and support to students who have experienced homelessness. cdhe.colorado.gov
FosterED
This program helps students in foster care pay for the remaining balance of the total cost of college attendance after scholarships, grants, and other financial aid awards have been applied. To qualify, students must have been in foster care or in non-certified kinship care in Colorado on or after their 13th birthday. cdhe.colorado.gov
My Colorado Journey
This is an online resource that connects students and job seekers to education and career planning tools. mycoloradojourney.com
Financial Aid Toolkit
A comprehensive resource for students, parents, and guardians seeking help with the FAFSA process. cdhe.colorado.gov
