A life-changing opportunity is in reach regardless of your financial background. 

We’re committed to offering our life-changing programs to all young people, regardless of their ability to contribute to tuition costs or purchase necessary gear. We offer partial scholarships for all courses as well as full-tuition scholarships for our ASCEND Scholarship Program courses.  

Full Scholarships

The ASCEND Scholarship Program 

The ASCEND Scholarship Program provides full-tuition scholarships to students of high financial need. ASCEND scholarship recipients will be eligible to attend one of two Colorado Alpine Backpacking courses we offer this summer for scholarship recipients. The scholarship covers the full cost of course tuition. Plus, students can borrow all gear, boots, and most clothing needed from our stockroom.  

This is a financial needs-based scholarship for students that are enthusiastic to attend a course.  While there is not a set level of income that qualifies an applicant for a full scholarship, students who qualify normally participate in free/reduced lunch or have a series of circumstances that greatly impact the financial situation of the household. Students will show proof of financial need through a free/reduced lunch form or a copy of tax returns along with a completed application. 

How to Apply for the ASCEND Scholarship Program: 

1. Browse the ASCEND Scholarship courses we are offering this summer here.
2. Submit your application before March 31st to receive priority consideration. Space is limited!   

Apply Today! 

Partial Scholarships 

Our school offers partial scholarships for individual students that cover 20-30% of the full cost of tuition. The amount awarded is financial need-based, but we also take into consideration how motivated a student is to attend course. We try to help all interested students find a way to make our courses affordable but cannot guarantee that we'll be able to give everyone financial aid. There is a $500 deposit/application fee that must be paid at the time of enrollment, which is refundable if the financial aid award does not meet your needs. At this time, we do not offer merit-based scholarships or financial aid.  **Please note: Partial scholarships have been awarded for the Summer 2023 season, check back next year!**

Scholarship Support for Community Partners 

We also work with community partners to serve student groups. To learn more about our Group Programs for community partners in Colorado and Utah, contact our Scholarship Coordinator, Nohemi Mora, at [email protected] or call 303-676-8238. 

How to Apply for Partial Scholarships: 

1. Enroll in a course by using our Course Finder and indicate on your application that you would like to apply for Financial Aid.
2. Upon enrollment, your course advisor will send you the required financial aid application packet (application, request for copy of tax returns and a personal video). 

Other Payment Options

AmeriCorps Education Award 

Students can utilize their Americorps Education Award to pay for course and receive college credit through Western Colorado University. Learn more. 

College Credit 

While we are not a degree granting institution, we do offer credit-bearing courses through our accredited partners, Western Colorado University and Northland College. Additionally, some institutions award academic credit through independent study programs. Learn more. 

529c Accounts 

Students may use their 529 College Savings Accounts to help cover the cost of tuition when seeking college credit. We can accept 529 College Savings Plans through Western Colorado University’s Extended Studies program. Anyone can register – you do not have to be a current Western Colorado University student to use your Savings Plan or receive credit. Learn More.  

Payment Plan 

For those who require additional time to secure full tuition payment, we do offer a payment schedule. However, full payment of tuition must be complete 30 days before your course start date. Payment scheduling is determined on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed. Please contact us directly for more information.