Special consideration for students going into high-demand careers
High school seniors starting at Western Colorado University in the 2024-2025 academic year are eligible to receive one of 140 scholarships of up to $1,500 to help cover tuition, fees, books, and equipment, thanks to funding from Opportunity Next Colorado.
Opportunity Next Colorado is an initiative spearheaded by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) to address a shortage of candidates for high-demand jobs across the state. The funding comes from legislation aimed at increasing enrollment in postsecondary education and training programs, with special consideration given to students interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).
Eligibility and Application Process
Students interested in a Colorado Next scholarship must be part of Colorado’s high school Class of 2024. Applicants are required to have applied for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) and cannot be receiving Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiatives (COSI) funding.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer so many scholarship opportunities to incoming students,” Director of Admissions Chase Watts said. “The Opportunity Next Colorado Scholarship represents a significant step toward providing our students with the resources they need to thrive in high-demand careers. We are dedicated to guiding our students toward fulfilling futures, and this partnership amplifies our efforts. Western Colorado University continues to focus our efforts on keeping higher education affordable and accessible to all students.”
For more information about the Opportunity Next Colorado Scholarship at Western, including detailed eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit our Scholarship Page.
Author Credit: Seth Mensing
Photo Credit: Courtesy
