EmpowerEd (HB 24-1403) is a state-funded program, administered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, that provides financial assistance at participating in-state public institutions of higher education for students who experienced homelessness, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act, while enrolled at a Colorado high school anytime between the start of 9th grade and end of 12th grade.
This program provides financial assistance for the remaining cost of the student's attendance after scholarships, grants, and other financial aid awards have been applied.
Eligibility Criteria
- Is a current Colorado resident
- Identified by designated school personnel as a homeless child or youth as defined by the Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, while residing in Colorado and attending a Colorado High school anytime between the start of 9th grade and end of 12th grade
- Is at least 17 to 27 years old
- Completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid )
or CASFA (Colorado Application for State Financial Aid) - Enrolled in courses leading toward a certificate of completion, associates, bachelor’s, or postgraduate degree
- Is in satisfactory academic standing as defined by CMU
- Is in their first 132 semester credit hours (concurrent and dual enrollment courses will not be counted towards these credit limits)
Process
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Complete the FAFSA/CASFA and indicate past or current experience of homelessness.
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Be accepted and enrolled at an accredited Colorado public institution of higher education.
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Complete the EmpowerEd Application for the appropriate school year. Only one submission is needed per school year.
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Complete a FERPA Consent Form and attach it to the Foster/EmpowerED Release of Information Confirmation.
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Please allow 3-5 days for the form to be processed.
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Once the state confirms eligibility, funds will be disbursed the week after census.
Questions? Contact our CMU Financial Aid Office representative: Brandon Kendall or 970-248-1409.