Path4Ward
The Path4Ward Program, established by SB21-106, is a pilot program allowing students from low-income households who graduate early from participating high schools to receive funding for postsecondary education or training programs during what would have been their fourth year of high school.
Accelerated Timeline Requirements (as of March 2026): A new timeline, established by HB26-1176, requires all eligible students graduating early during the 2025-2026 school year to begin their postsecondary program by December 31, 2026. This replaces the 18-month grace period presented in SB21-106.
Due to the expedited timeline, all scholarship requests must be received before March 31, 2027. Any scholarship funds not requested by this date will be forfeited.
For Registered Students
If you are an eligible early graduate from a participating high school, you must request the use of your scholarship funds via our online form:
Eligible Graduate Scholarship Request Form
All scholarship request forms must be submitted by March 31, 2027.
If you have questions about the form or your eligibility, please contact Casey McCoy-Simmons, PhD, Coordinator of Innovation Programs at cdhe.path4ward@dhe.state.co.us
For Interested Students
If you are a student at a participating high school, and are interested in the Path4Ward Program, please see our program handouts. Further information is available from your school counseling staff.
Program Overview
The Pilot Program will last for five years and will be comprised of five schools or groups of schools from a mix of urban, suburban, and rural institutions. Participating schools will receive 25% of the average state share of per-pupil revenue for each participating student and are encouraged to apply these funds to counseling and support activities for potential and participating early graduates. Schools will also report participation and demographic data to CDHE. Postsecondary programs may be college enrollment or approved workplace learning programs like internships and apprenticeships. You can find local registered workplace learning programs at MyColoradoJourney.
Participating students will receive funds depending on the semester of their graduation. 3-year graduates will receive a one-time scholarship of $4,113.38, while 3.5-year graduates will receive a scholarship amount of $2,468.03. Student funds will first be used to pay tuition, fees, or other expenses within the institution. Unspent funds may then be used by the student for other qualifying expenditures, including textbooks, equipment, or transportation.
Participating School Districts
School districts and charter schools were selected via two application processes, in 2022 and 2023. The Commission on Higher Education confirmed all participating districts. The Path4Ward Program Pilot is not open to any additional school district, charter school, or high school participants. We are excited to be working with these participating districts:
- Aurora Public Schools
- Adams 12 Five Star Schools
- Harrison School District 2
- Greeley-Evans School District 6
- Colorado Early Colleges Network and The Academy of Charter Schools, managed by the Colorado Charter School Institute
- Consortium of Montezuma-Cortez, Clear Creek, East Grand, West Grand, Cañon City, and Cotopaxi Consolidated School Districts
You may read more at the Official News Release.
Path4Ward Partners
CDHE is proud to be partnering with Colorado Succeeds and Whiteboard Advisors on support for applicants and pilot program participants. The Path4Ward Program will support schools in applying to the program, and will provide ongoing technical assistance to the selected pilot program participants. They will also provide coaching support and information to participating students who wish to opt-in to the Path4Ward Program.
FAQ
The comprehensive program FAQs is available here. The FAQ was last updated March 2026.
Please contact Casey McCoy Simmons, PhD, Coordinator of Innovation Programs at cdhe.path4ward@dhe.state.co.us if you have any questions.