The Path4Ward Program, established by SB21-106, is a pilot program allowing students from low-income households who graduate early from participating high schools to receive funding for postsecondary education or training programs during what would have been their fourth year of high school.
For Registered Students
If you are an eligible early graduate from a participating high school, you can inquire about your scholarship status or request the use of your scholarship funds via our online form.
Eligible Graduate Scholarship Request Form
If you have questions about the form or your eligibility, please contact Jack Wolflink, Coordinator of Innovation Programs at cdhe.path4ward@dhe.state.co.us.
For Interested Students
If you are a student at a participating high school, and are interested in the Path4Ward Program, please our program handouts. Further information is available with your school counseling staff.
Program Overview
The Pilot Program will last for five years and will be comprised of five schools or groups of schools from a mix of urban, suburban, and rural institutions. Participating schools will receive 25% of the average state share of per-pupil revenue for each participating student, and are encouraged to apply these funds to counseling and support activities for potential and participating early graduates. Schools will also report participation and demographic data to CDHE. Postsecondary programs may be college enrollment or approved workplace learning programs like internships and apprenticeships. You can find local registered workplace learning programs at MyColoradoJourney.
Participating students will receive funds depending on the semester of their graduation. 3-year graduates will receive a one-time scholarship of $4,113.38, while 3.5-year graduates will receive a scholarship amount of $2,468.03. Student funds will first be used to pay tuition, fees, or other expenses within the institution. Unspent funds may then be used by the student for other qualifying expenditures, including textbooks, equipment, or transportation.
Participating School Districts
School districts and charter schools were selected via two application processes, in 2022 and 2023. The Commission on Higher Education confirmed all participating districts. The Path4Ward Program Pilot is not open to any additional school district, charter school, or high school participants. We are excited to be working with these participating districts:
Colorado Early Colleges Network and The Academy of Charter Schools, managed by the Colorado Charter School Institute
Consortium of Montezuma-Cortez, Clear Creek, East Grand, West Grand, Cañon City, and Cotopaxi Consolidated School Districts
You may read more here:
An archive of the application materials and scoring rubric that were used to evaluate school district applications is available here:
Sample Application Scoring Rubric Data Template Budget Template
Path4Ward Partners
CDHE is proud to be partnering with Colorado Succeeds and Whiteboard Advisors on support for applicants and pilot program participants. The Path4Ward Program will support schools in applying to the program, and will provide ongoing technical assistance to the selected pilot program participants. They will also provide coaching support and information to participating students who wish to opt-in to the Path4Ward Program.
If you are interested in receiving application and/or technical assistance through the Path4Ward Program, please contact Madison Knapp at mknapp@coloradosucceeds.org.
FAQ
The comprehensive program FAQ is available here. The FAQ was last updated June 10, 2024.
Please contact Jack Wolflink, Coordinator of Innovation Programs at cdhe.path4ward@dhe.state.co.us if you have any questions.