Opportunity Next Colorado Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Colorado statewide; Class of 2024 and subsequent graduating classes

Focus Areas:
Scholarship recipients must enroll in High Priority Pathways (HPP) in eight designated industries with workforce shortages:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Computer and Information Science
• Education
• Engineering and Technology
• Family and Social Sciences
• Health Professions
• Transportation
• (One additional HPP industry not fully specified in text)

Eligible Recipients:

• High school graduates (Class of 2024 and beyond)
• GED completers
• Colorado residents

Award Coverage:
Funds may be used for:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Books
• Equipment

PPSC Alignment:
Pikes Peak State College is uniquely positioned to support Opportunity Next students as PPSC offers degrees and certificates in seven of the eight HPPs.

Complementary Programs:
Opportunity Next works in conjunction with Colorado Promise, which:

• Promises reimbursement of out-of-pocket tuition and fees during first two years of college
• Available to students with family incomes of $90,000 or less
• Significantly reduces financial barriers
• Broadens access to higher education without debt burden

Program Goals:

• Address workforce shortages across Colorado
• Make pursuing higher education more attainable
• Incentivize graduates to pursue secondary education in high-demand fields

Contact Information:

• Opportunity Next: opportunitynext.org
• Colorado Promise: cdhe.colorado.gov (Colorado Department of Higher Education)
• PPSC Application: pikespeak.edu/apply
• Pikes Peak State College
• 5675 S. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80906
• Phone: 719-502-2000

Application Process

1. High School Graduation or GED
   • Be a member of Colorado high school graduating class (Class of 2024 or later)
   • OR complete GED
2. Apply to Pikes Peak State College
   • Visit pikespeak.edu/apply
   • Complete PPSC application process
   • Enroll in a High Priority Pathway (HPP) program
3. PPSC Program Options (7 of 8 HPPs)
   • Advanced Manufacturing
   • Computer and Information Science
   • Education
   • Engineering and Technology
   • Family and Social Sciences
   • Health Professions
   • Transportation
4. Additional Aid Consideration
   • Explore Colorado Promise eligibility (family income $90,000 or less) for additional tuition/fee reimbursement
   • Apply for Colorado Promise through Colorado Department of Higher Education
5. Award Disbursement
   • Up to $1,500 provided per student
   • Funds used for tuition, fees, books, and equipment