The EmpowerEd Pathway to Higher Education Program was created by the State of Colorado (HB 24-1403) to assist Colorado resident students who experienced homelessness while in high school in Colorado 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
- 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/CASFA
- 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
-
Complete the FAFSA/CASFA and indicate past or current experience of homelessness.
-
Be accepted and enrolled at an accredited Colorado public institution of higher education
-
Complete the State's 2024-2025 EmpowerEd Application
-
If graduated after October 2023, present proof of homeless experience signed by authorized entity for homelessness determination
-
If graduated before October 2023, tech Department of Higher Education will receive proof of homelessness experience directly from the Colorado Department of Education.
-
Questions? Contact our CMU Financial Aid Office representative: Brandon Kendall or 970-248-1409