Boettcher Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Boettcher Foundation
Scholarship Overview
The Boettcher Scholarship Program is designed to retain high-potential Colorado students and support their education at partner institutions across the state. The program operates through two models that allocate funds to scholars while leveraging institutional support to cover remaining costs. Each model provides a consistent annual contribution from the Foundation for up to four years of undergraduate study. Partner institutions participate under one of the two models depending on how they apply institutional support.
Description: The program supports Colorado leaders who will contribute to the state’s future. It offers structured partnerships with public and private colleges and universities to maximize access and impact.
Award Value: The Foundation provides a fixed award of $20,000 per year for up to four years. Under the Cost of Attendance model, institutions combine that award with other institutional, merit, and/or need-based aid to support total cost of attendance (excluding travel and other expenses). Under the Tuition & Fees model, partner institutions combine aid to cover tuition and fees.
- Two funding models: Cost of Attendance and Tuition & Fees.
- Fixed Boettcher contribution: $20,000 per year, up to four years.
- Institutions combine Boettcher funds with institutional and need-based aid.
- Program emphasizes retention of talented students in Colorado.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility focuses on Colorado residency, enrollment status, and lawful presence in the United States. Applicants must meet minimum residency and graduation conditions and must apply during the fall of their final year of high school. The Foundation also allows applicants who are in the process of securing lawful status to apply, but final documentation is required to claim a scholarship. Specific residency and tribal membership conditions are included among the minimum requirements.
Eligibility: Applicants must be graduating Colorado high school seniors who have lived in Colorado for their full junior and senior years or be registered members of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe/Nation with historical ties to Colorado. Applicants must apply during the fall of their final year of high school, even if graduating early or planning a gap year, and must graduate from a Colorado high school. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or lawfully present (including through DACA), or be actively pursuing such status and able to provide documentation of completion before becoming a Scholar.
- Must be a Colorado high school graduate and meet residency or tribal membership rules.
- Application must be submitted in the fall of the final high school year.
- Lawful presence or documentation of completed status is required to become a Scholar.
Selection Criteria
The Boettcher Foundation evaluates applicants holistically with an emphasis on merit of circumstance and demonstrated leadership potential. The selection committee considers academic achievement alongside leadership, service, and personal character. Lived experience and the context in which applicants have shown initiative and resilience are important components of the evaluation. Competitive candidates demonstrate continued potential for leadership and service in Colorado.
Description: The committee judges each student on superior scholastic ability and intellectual curiosity, evidence of leadership and involvement, service to community and school, and outstanding character.
- Evaluation is holistic and contextual, emphasizing merit of circumstance.
- Primary factors: academics, leadership, service, and character.
- Strong candidates show potential for ongoing leadership and community impact.
Application Support and Resources
The Foundation provides annual informational webinars and resources to help applicants prepare competitive submissions. Webinars, titled "Everything You Need to Know About Scholarships," offer guidance on strengthening college and scholarship applications and practical tips to make applications stand out. Applicants with questions about lawful presence or legal status are directed to the Foundation’s FAQ resources for more detailed information. These supports are intended to clarify requirements and improve equity in the application process.
Application Support: The Foundation hosts annual webinars that cover application strategy and best practices. Applicants are encouraged to review available FAQs for questions about legal status or lawful presence.
- Annual webinars offer application guidance and tips.
- Resources focus on making applications more competitive and accessible.
- FAQ resources address legal status and lawful presence questions.