1. 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 $1,000.00 baseline stipend split between the beginning and end of each semester and (2) up to $2,000 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 Guardian Scholar support is customized to scholar individual needs in regards to 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 May 31st for the Fall 2024 semester, or by October 31st for the Spring 2025 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 directly once your application is submitted for additional 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.
  • Results of the completed FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) or 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.
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.&nbsp
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* 1. First Name:

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* 2. Last Name:

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* 3. Any other name you go by:

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* 4. Phone Number:

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* 5. E-mail Address: 

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* 6. Best way to contact you:

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* 7. Current Address

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* 8. City:

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* 9. State:

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* 10. Zip Code: 

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* 11. Date of Birth:

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* 12. Dates in Foster Care:

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* 13. Who is or was your most recent caseworker? From which county?

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* 14. Caseworker Phone Number:

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* 15. Caseworker Email:

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* 16. Do you have a CHAFEE Worker?

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* 17. CHAFEE Worker Phone Number:

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* 18. CHAFEE Worker Email: 

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* 19. How did you hear about Forward Steps?

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* 20. Have you applied for the Guardian Scholars Scholarship previously?

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* 21. Which semester are you applying for? 

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* 22. College you plan to attend (if you are unsure list your top three choices):

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* 23. Please upload a copy of your high school transcripts (or GED) and, if applicable, transcripts from any previously attended college.

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* 24. Please upload a copy of your Student Aid Report generated by the FAFSA. Your application is incomplete without the submission of this document. 

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* 25. Please upload a signed copy of the Foster Care Dependency Form.

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* 26. 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. 

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