Forward Steps Guardian Scholars
Scholarship Sponsored by Forward Steps
Forward Steps is dedicated to helping young people with foster care experience access and complete postsecondary education. We provide financial support, individualized mentoring, and wraparound resource navigation so scholars can reach their academic and career goals.
Applications are open on a rolling basis for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Who is eligible?
- Have verifiable foster care experience (you will need to provide documentation confirming foster care dependency).
- First-time applicants must submit their application before turning 26 years old.
- Be a Colorado resident and plan to attend, or already be enrolled in, a postsecondary institution in Colorado (examples include community colleges, trade schools, or four‑year universities).
- Hold a high school diploma or GED prior to starting your first semester of college.
- Demonstrate unmet financial need as determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA).
Guardian Scholar Financial Assistance
- Scholars may receive up to $3,000 per scholar, per semester to help cover unmet financial need while enrolled in postsecondary education.
- In addition to financial awards, participants receive one‑to‑one mentoring and access to resource navigation and other wraparound supports as needed.
Documents required to complete an application
- High school transcript or GED documentation; if you have attended college before, include official college transcripts.
- FAFSA summary page (from a completed FAFSA) or the CASFA completion results.
- Signed Confirmation of Foster Care Dependency Form (contact Forward Steps if you need help obtaining this verification).
If you have questions about eligibility, required paperwork, or how to confirm foster care status, please contact Forward Steps for assistance.