Amount: $4,000
Duration: Two years, $2,000 per year
Description:
For the student who stumbled—but refused to stay down.
The Rising Star Scholarship is for the student who found their footing after falling behind. The one who faced obstacles, made mistakes, or lost momentum—but then made a choice to turn things around.
Created by longtime public educators who’ve seen firsthand that transcripts rarely tell the whole story, this scholarship honors students whose growth isn't measured by GPA alone. It’s for the ones who came back stronger—with clarity, purpose, and the courage to begin again.
Maybe life got complicated.
Maybe support wasn’t there when you needed it.
Maybe your story includes a turning point.
If that sounds like you—and you’re ready for what comes next—this scholarship is here to invest in your comeback.
We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for perseverance.
We believe in second chances. And third ones, too.
Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a student attending North Valley School for Young Adults.
- Participants of the Gateway Program are encouraged to apply.
- Applicant must be a resident of Colorado and attend Mapleton Public Schools.
- Applicant must be eligible for and planning to attend an accredited two year college vocational/technical training program in the next year.
- Applicant struggled with their high school GPA and currently have a cumulative GPA ranging from 1.8-2.6.
Requirements:
- Submit application form and all common application requirements electronically (see application checklist).
- Finalists for this scholarship will be required to participate in an interview process.
- If selected, the student must engage in a support program during their first year in college, such as Trio, Gear Up, Tutoring services, etc.
Sample interview question:
- Describe factors that contributed to your struggles and what specific behaviors you have changed to be experiencing success now. Include evidence that you’ve now invested in your academic success and future.
