The Boettcher Scholarship, a prestigious merit-based award in Colorado, has been transforming the lives of exceptional students for decades.
This scholarship aims to provide outstanding high school seniors with a fully-funded education at a Colorado university or college of their choice.
More than just financial support, the Boettcher Scholarship fosters leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement.
Each year, a select group of scholars is chosen based on their exceptional achievements, character, and potential to impact society positively.
Let’s explore the remarkable journey of the Boettcher Scholarship and the profound opportunities it offers to Colorado’s future leaders.
About Boettcher Scholarship
The Boettcher Scholarship is an esteemed merit-based academic scholarship that provides exceptional students with a full-tuition four-year award and partial coverage for living expenses.
It is awarded to exceptional graduating high school students in Colorado.
With an average SAT score of around 1400 and ranking in the top 2% of their classes, Boettcher Scholars receive a “full-ride” opportunity to attend any accredited Colorado university.
Each year, 50 scholars are selected from a pool of finalists, representing about 3% of applicants.
Boettcher Scholars often go on to receive renowned graduate scholarships and contribute to their communities.
With over 2,000 alumni, the Boettcher Scholarship continues to shape Colorado’s future leaders.
How Much is Boettcher Scholarship Worth?
Boettcher gives each scholar a set amount of $20,000 each year for four years.
Each Boettcher Scholar can apply for a one-time $3,000 grant to finish a project or program in academic/professional growth, internships, research, and special classes.
Recipients of the Boettcher Scholarship can also apply for money to study abroad for a semester or a year.
Part of getting this special Colorado grant is becoming friends with the other Boettcher Scholars.
Throughout the year, the Foundation organizes several Boettcher Scholars events.
How can I be Eligible for the Boettcher Scholarship?
To be eligible for the prestigious Boettcher Scholarship, aspiring students must meet several essential requirements:
1. Colorado Residency
Applicants must be graduating Colorado high school seniors who have resided in Colorado for their junior and senior years of high school.
This scholarship is exclusive to Colorado residents, emphasizing its commitment to supporting local talent.
2. Application Timing
Prospective candidates must apply during the fall of their final year of high school, equivalent to their senior year.
Even if students plan to graduate early or take a gap year after graduation, they can still apply.
3. Colorado High School Graduation
Eligible applicants must graduate from a Colorado high school.
This criterion underscores the scholarship’s dedication to fostering local talent and nurturing academic excellence within the state.
4. Citizenship or Legal Status
Candidates must be U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or individuals lawfully present in the United States, including those under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
Alternatively, applicants can be in the process of applying for citizenship, legal status, or lawful presence.
However, completing this process is necessary to be awarded the Boettcher Scholarship.
What are the selection criteria for Boettcher Scholarship?
The Boettcher Scholarship, awarded by the Boettcher Foundation in Colorado, holds high standards for selecting exceptional students who exemplify outstanding qualities.
The scholarship selection committee carefully evaluates each applicant based on comprehensive criteria to identify the most deserving candidates.
1. Superior Scholastic Ability and Intellectual Curiosity
This criterion assesses a student’s academic performance, including grades, coursework, standardized test scores, and intellectual curiosity.
The committee seeks students who consistently demonstrate academic excellence and genuine learning passion.
2. Evidence of Leadership and Involvement
The committee seeks candidates who have actively participated in leadership roles within their schools and communities.
This can include positions in student government, clubs, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities. Students who have shown initiative, responsibility, and the ability to inspire and motivate others are highly regarded.
3. Service to the Community and School
This criterion evaluates a student’s commitment to giving back and making a positive impact.
The committee looks for applicants who have engaged in volunteer work, community service projects, or initiatives that benefit their school community.
Demonstrating a dedication to service is a strong indicator of an applicant’s character and potential for continued leadership.
4. Outstanding Character
Character is a fundamental aspect of the selection process. The committee seeks students with integrity, honesty, resilience, and compassion.
Personal traits such as determination, empathy, and a strong work ethic are highly valued.
5. Merit of Circumstance
The Boettcher Scholarship emphasizes considering the context in which a student has thrived as a leader.
The committee acknowledges and values lived experiences, recognizing that personal circumstances may have shaped an applicant’s leadership journey.
Students who have excelled despite challenges or have shown exceptional growth and resilience are highly regarded.
Application Process:
The application process for the Boettcher Scholarship is rigorous and requires careful attention to detail.
If you are a Colorado high school senior who meets the eligibility requirements, you can apply directly through the Boettcher Foundation’s website.
However, it is highly recommended that you consult with your high school counselor to determine if you are a competitive candidate before beginning the application process.
Deadline for Boettcher Scholarship
The scholarship application opens in early September and has a deadline of 5:00 p.m. on November 1 of your senior year.
Submitting your application and all required materials by the deadline to be considered for this prestigious award is crucial.
To complete the application, you will need to fill out the forms available on the Scholarship Application page of the Boettcher Foundation’s website.
Additionally, your high school counselor must submit an official transcript and fill out additional forms.
If you have taken the ACT or SAT, your scores must be sent directly from the testing agency/agencies to the Boettcher Foundation, even if they appear on your high school transcript.
This ensures that your application is complete and accurate.
More so, if you have made an early decision commitment to an out-of-state institution, you will not be eligible for the Boettcher Scholarship.Â
Therefore, keeping your college options open and applying to colleges during the spring admissions timeframe is advised.
FAQs on Boettcher Scholarship
There are two models of the Boettcher Scholarship: the Cost of Attendance Model and the Tuition & Fees Model. Under both models, scholars receive an annual fixed amount of $20,000 annually for four years. The difference lies in how the institutions cover the remaining expenses.
Under the Cost of Attendance Model, Boettcher Scholars receive $20,000 annually from Boettcher for four years. Institutions will then provide additional support through institutional, merit, and need-based scholarships to cover the remaining costs of attendance, excluding travel and other personal expenses.
The institutions under the Cost of Attendance Model are:
Adams State University
Colorado Mesa University
University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University
University of Colorado Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver
University of Northern Colorado
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Western Colorado University
Under the Tuition & Fees Model, Boettcher Scholars receive $20,000 annually from Boettcher for four years. Partner institutions will then use institutional, merit, and need-based scholarships to cover the total tuition and fees for each Scholar.
The institutions under the Tuition & Fees Model are Colorado Christian University, Colorado College, Regis University, and the University of Denver.
No, the Boettcher Scholarship is exclusively for undergraduate studies and cannot be used for graduate or professional degree programs.
Conclusion
The Boettcher Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for Colorado’s brightest minds to achieve their academic and leadership aspirations.
This prestigious award not only provides financial support but also creates a network of driven and ambitious individuals who can make a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.
For high school seniors in Colorado with remarkable achievements and a desire to contribute positively to society, the Boettcher Scholarship is a gateway to an exceptional education and a platform for growth.
Aspiring scholars are encouraged to seize this opportunity and apply to become part of the illustrious lineage of Boettcher Scholars, shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
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