We need our most dynamic thinkers, doers, and difference makers to stay in Colorado so they can positively impact their communities across our state. That was the foresight behind the Boettcher Scholarship Program when it was created 70 years ago. The vision continues today as our Scholars personify the promise of Colorado and potential of Coloradans.
Awarded in partnership with our state’s four-year, nonprofit institutions of higher education, our comprehensive Scholarship program has two models. Read on or visit here to learn more about our eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and how to apply.
Beyond financial support, we provide Scholars with unique enrichment opportunities designed to enhance their learning journeys, launch careers, and cultivate leadership potential. Scholars also become part of a vast and diverse network of Boettcher Alumni that dates back to 1952. The ethos that unites Scholars across generations is the enthusiasm to give back in the communities where they attend college, work, and live.
NOTE: For information about our response to COVID-related complications, please read our FAQs.
Scholarship Models
The Boettcher Scholarship Program has two models – Cost of Attendance and Tuition & Fees – that support the Foundation’s mission to invest in the promise of Colorado and potential of Coloradans.
Cost of Attendance Model: Scholars receive an annual fixed amount of $20,000 per year from Boettcher for four years. Institutions will then use institutional, merit, and/or need based support (or a combination) to support up to the total cost of attendance for each Scholar minus travel and other expenses. Institutions under this model are Adams State University, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, Colorado State University – Pueblo, Fort Lewis College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, University of Colorado Denver, University of Northern Colorado, and Western Colorado University.
Tuition & Fees Model: Scholars receive an annual fixed amount of $20,000 per year from Boettcher for four years. Partner institutions will then use institutional, merit, and/or need-based support (or a combination) to support up to the total amount of tuition and fees for each Scholar. Institutions under this model are Colorado Christian University, Colorado College, Regis University, and University of Denver.
What’s Included in a Boettcher Scholarship?
Campus Enrichment Programming
The Foundation provides funding to the partner Colorado colleges to enrich the college experience for Scholars. In the past, this has included graduate school/career prep opportunities, activities for Scholars at their respective institution, and opportunities to attend cultural events throughout Colorado.
Scholar Grants
These grants offer Boettcher Scholars additional funding, allowing them to accomplish special learning experiences.
Educational Enrichment Grants
- Each Boettcher Scholar can apply for a one-time $3,000 grant to complete a project/program in the area of academic/professional development, internships, research, and special classes.
International Education Grants
- Boettcher Scholarship recipients can apply for funding to spend either a semester or a year studying abroad.
Annual Events
Part of receiving this special Colorado scholarship is the camaraderie that Boettcher Scholars develop with one another. The Foundation hosts a variety of events for the Boettcher Scholar community throughout the year. This includes an annual holiday party at the Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion, networking events with Alumni and current Scholars, community service days, leadership programming, and an annual Scholars Experience (formerly known as Scholars Weekend).
History of the Boettcher Scholarship Program
Since 1952, the Boettcher Foundation has awarded more than $110 million in undergraduate scholarships to some of Colorado’s most dynamic young minds, doers, and difference makers. This translates to more than 2,700 current and Alumni Boettcher Scholars. Annually, more than 1,500 students apply to be named one of the 42 Boettcher Scholars. Beginning with the class of 2022, the number of Boettcher Scholars will increase to 50 per year.
Boettcher Scholars go on to achieve amazing things in their careers and as leaders who give back to their communities. In recent years, Boettcher Scholars were chosen as both Marshall and Rhodes scholars. Our Scholars start businesses, publish research, create new technologies, and excel at the most prestigious graduate schools. Among our army of accomplished Alumni, we have the former speaker of the House for the State of Colorado, a Nobel laureate, several nationally renowned doctors, and a famous voice actor.