Scholarship Directory
The Westside Alumni Foundation administers ten distinct scholarship and grant programs totaling over $51,000 in annual awards. Each fund reflects the diverse academic paths, career aspirations, and lived experiences of our alumni community. Review the full directory below, then use our Scholarship Eligibility Finder to identify awards that match your profile.
Foundation Scholarships, Grants & Fellowships
All awards are funded through alumni contributions, corporate matching gifts, and endowment interest. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are disbursed directly to the recipient’s accredited institution at the start of the fall term.
Westside Founders Merit Scholarship
$8,000
Our premier scholarship recognizes graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, sustained leadership in extracurricular or civic activities, and a deep commitment to the broader Westside community. Applicants must hold a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher, submit two letters of recommendation from faculty or community mentors, and provide a 750-word personal essay reflecting on how their Westside experience has shaped their educational vision. Recipients are selected by the Foundation’s Scholarship Review Committee and announced at the annual Spring Awards Gala.
Eligibility: High School Seniors • Min. GPA: 3.5 • Deadline: March 15
Community Service Excellence Award
$5,000
This award celebrates students whose extensive volunteer work has created measurable, positive change within their neighborhoods, schools, or civic organizations. Candidates must document a minimum of 100 verified community service hours completed within the 24 months preceding the application deadline. Qualifying service includes organized volunteerism with registered nonprofits, school-sanctioned tutoring programs, food bank and shelter assistance, and environmental conservation projects. Applicants submit a service portfolio including supervisor verification letters and a reflective narrative describing the impact of their contributions.
Eligibility: Seniors, Juniors & Undergrads • Min. GPA: 2.5 • Deadline: March 15
STEM Innovation Scholarship
$6,000
Supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technology professionals from Westside district schools. Applicants must be enrolling in or currently pursuing a declared STEM major at an accredited two-year or four-year institution. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 is required. Preference is given to students who have completed Advanced Placement or dual-enrollment coursework in calculus, physics, computer science, or laboratory sciences. Applicants submit a brief research proposal or project summary demonstrating applied scientific curiosity.
Eligibility: Seniors & Undergrads • Min. GPA: 3.2 • Deadline: March 15
Future Educators Teaching Fellowship
$4,500
An annual stipend for aspiring K–12 educators committed to serving in high-need Colorado school districts after completing their state certification program. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, current undergraduates, and graduate students enrolled in accredited teacher preparation or alternative certification tracks. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Fellows participate in two mentorship sessions per semester with veteran Westside alumni educators and complete a reflective teaching philosophy essay as part of the application.
Eligibility: Seniors, Undergrads & Grad Students • Min. GPA: 3.0 • Deadline: April 1
Healthcare Heroes Nursing Grant
$5,500
A need-based grant specifically designed for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or accredited allied health certification programs at Colorado institutions. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through a completed FAFSA with an Expected Family Contribution under $15,000. A minimum GPA of 2.8 is required. This grant may be combined with federal and state financial aid. Preference is given to applicants who express intent to practice in underserved or rural Colorado communities following licensure.
Eligibility: Seniors, Undergrads & Returning Learners • Min. GPA: 2.8 • Deadline: April 1
Returning Scholars Opportunity Fund
$3,500
Recognizing that education is a lifelong pursuit, this fund provides flexible financial support for adult learners aged 25 and older who are re-entering higher education or pursuing workforce certification programs after a career interruption, family obligation, or military service. There is no minimum GPA requirement for first-time applicants; returning recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Awards can be applied toward tuition, textbooks, certification exam fees, or required professional equipment. Applicants submit a personal statement describing their motivation for returning to education.
Eligibility: Adult Learners (25+) • Need-Based • Deadline: Rolling (reviewed quarterly)
Skilled Trades Advancement Award
$3,000
Supporting students enrolling in accredited vocational, technical, or registered apprenticeship programs in electrical work, plumbing, welding, HVAC installation and repair, automotive technology, or advanced manufacturing. This award acknowledges that career and technical education pathways are vital to community infrastructure and economic prosperity. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment or acceptance into a qualifying program and a brief career goals statement. No minimum GPA is required, though academic transcripts or training records must be submitted for review.
Eligibility: Seniors, Undergrads & Returning Learners • Deadline: April 15
Graduate Research Fellowship
$7,500
A competitive fellowship for Westside alumni pursuing master’s or doctoral-level research in disciplines that directly benefit Colorado communities, public institutions, or underserved populations. Applicants must hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 in their graduate coursework and provide a faculty advisor endorsement letter. The application includes a structured research abstract (500 words maximum) and a community impact statement explaining how the proposed research addresses a specific need within the state. Fellows present their findings at the Foundation’s annual Research Symposium.
Eligibility: Graduate & Doctoral Students • Min. GPA: 3.4 • Deadline: February 28
Arts & Humanities Creative Vision Award
$4,000
Celebrating artistic talent and intellectual curiosity, this award supports students pursuing degrees in visual arts, performing arts, music, literature, philosophy, history, or the social sciences. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a creative portfolio or scholarly writing sample alongside their application. The portfolio may include reproductions of visual artwork, recordings of musical or theatrical performance, published writing, or an academic research paper. A selection panel of alumni professionals in the arts and academia evaluates all submissions.
Eligibility: Seniors & Undergrads • Min. GPA: 3.0 • Deadline: March 15
First-Generation College Pioneer Grant
$4,000
Targeted financial support for first-generation college students whose parents or legal guardians did not complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA documentation and hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. This grant is stackable with other Foundation awards and federal or state aid. Applicants submit a personal narrative describing the challenges and motivations of being the first in their family to pursue higher education. Preference is given to students from Title I-designated high schools within the Westside district boundaries.
Eligibility: Seniors & Juniors • Min. GPA: 2.5 • Need-Based • Deadline: March 15
Application Process & Timeline
All scholarship applications are submitted through our secure online portal. The Foundation Scholarship Review Committee evaluates every application using a standardized rubric developed in accordance with best practices from the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA).
Not Sure Which Scholarship Fits?
Use our interactive eligibility tool to instantly match your academic profile with qualifying Foundation awards, or reach out to our scholarship office for personalized guidance.