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Guardian Scholars Application

2.HOW TO APPLY AND NEXT STEPS

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 questions in this application as the first step in consideration for the Guardian Scholarship Application. Your application is considered incomplete until all requested documentation items in this online application are received. We accept applications on a rolling basis, for best consideration, pair your application with our priority deadlines. 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.

If you have any questions regarding this application, documentation, or your eligibility, please feel free to reach out to Program Manager, Lauren Sosa directly at (720)-795-4926 or lauren@forwardsteps.org. The Program Manager will reach out to you once your application is submitted for next steps in the scholarship selection process.

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.
If you need any additional assistance or accommodations in completing this application, please contact Program Manager, Lauren Sosa directly at (720)-795-4926 or lauren@forwardsteps.org.
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1.First Name:(Required.)
2.Last Name:(Required.)
3.Any other name you go by:(Required.)
4.Phone Number:(Required.)
5.E-mail Address: (Required.)
6.Best way to contact you:(Required.)
7.Current Address(Required.)
8.Apartment number:
9.City:(Required.)
10.State:(Required.)
11.Zip Code: (Required.)
12.Date of Birth:(Required.)
13.Did you attend a Denver county high school?(Required.)
14.Did you live in Denver for six months or longer, prior to taking your first postsecondary class?(Required.)
15.Dates in Foster Care:(Required.)
16.Who is or was your most recent caseworker? From which county?(Required.)
17.Caseworker Phone Number:(Required.)
18.Caseworker Email:(Required.)
19.Do you have a CHAFEE Worker?(Required.)
20.CHAFEE Worker Phone Number:(Required.)
21.CHAFEE Worker Email: (Required.)
22.How did you hear about Forward Steps?(Required.)
23.Have you applied for the Guardian Scholars Scholarship previously?(Required.)
24.Which semester are you applying for?(Required.)
25.College you plan to attend (if you are unsure list your top three choices):(Required.)
26.Will you receive funding from your financial aid department from the FosterEd program during the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 semesters?
27.Please upload a copy of your high school transcripts (or GED) and, if applicable, transcripts from any previously attended college.
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28.Please upload a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary page generated by a completed FAFSA application. Your application is incomplete without the submission of this document.
No file chosen
29.Please upload a signed copy of the Foster Care Dependency Form.
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30.Please upload a copy of your financial aid award letter for the postsecondary institution you will be attending in the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 semester.
No file chosen
31.APPLICANT SIGNATURE Please read the following statement carefully before signing. By signing below I certify that I understand this information, and I certify that all of the information on this application is accurate. I understand that my application cannot be reviewed for admission until all supporting documentation has been received, once this form has been submitted. (Required.)