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Week 22: February 9, 2026

Advice On Selecting a College From College President (And Dad)
by Adam S. Weinberg | February 2, 2026
The college admission process can be daunting. Here are some ideas from a college president — and a parent who has been through it twice — on the ways parents can help with the final college selection.
Let me start with a simple observation. You can get a great education at a wide range of colleges in this country. But if the fit is wrong, it is nearly impossible to get a great education — no matter how good the college is. Conversely, when you get the fit right, your student will have a great four years and then launch into a successful life.
Elsewhere, I have written on what we know about what needs to happen in college. I continue to recommend reading How College Works by Dan Chambliss and Christopher Takacs, as well as The Gallup-Purdue Index. I boil these down to three things that your student can do to find success in college:
- Find a mentor: One of the defining characteristics of a transformative college experience is having a good mentor. In particular, faculty mentorship is crucial.
- Participate in a few activities outside the classroom in some depth: These activities supplement student learning with good leadership and management skills.
- Surround yourself with an array of students who are maximizing their college experience: This is what educators call lateral learning. It matters because students learn a lot from one another.
As a parent, your goal should be to help your child find a college where they are likely to become immersed quickly, develop a close mentoring relationship with a faculty member, and get involved in co-curricular activities that allow them to find good friends and develop strong life skills. Start by narrowing down the final list to two to four colleges. This requires having an open and honest conversation with your child about what college means for them. What do they want to study? What size feels right? As you have this conversation, make sure you select colleges where they can pursue their interests. Don’t choose a college where they only will be able to watch others perform. If they play a sport or have a passion for an artistic endeavor, choose a college where they will make the team, be cast in a play, join a music ensemble, and have a chance to pursue their interests. This also is true for students who want to major in the sciences. Be wary of places where graduate students replace professors in classrooms and knock undergraduates out of labs. Choose a college where undergraduates get into labs early and often, and where they get to conduct their own research.
Fit also requires being honest with what is affordable. The sticker price, (the listed tuition price), is not very helpful. The financial aid letters you are receiving can be hard to decipher. You also need to know the following: How many years does it take the average student to graduate? For example, most private colleges, it is four years. At some public universities, it often takes five or even six years (therefore, an extra year or two of tuition). And ask if financial aid will be in place for the entire time they are in college. As a parent, I also realize that affordability is connected to return on investment. One of the mistakes families make is selecting a college because of very small differences in price. It does not make sense to go to a college that is slightly less expensive if the fit is not right. At the same time, debt does matter. My own view is that a manageable level of debt is worth it to get an education that is the right fit for the student. Families need to determine what that level is for them.
Once you have the shortlist, visit the colleges one more time. Try to attend one of the April Visit Days that colleges offer for admitted students. Encourage your child to spend the night. When you leave the campus, ask them questions, as opposed to offering your observations. Where do they feel comfortable? Which one feels right? I am convinced that this gut check often leads students to make the right decision. Maybe this is the college selection version of the “Blink” principle.
Questions to ask during April Visit Days
- What is the size of the endowment per student (which can translate into the financial resources a college can spend on providing student experiences)?
- What is the mood on campus? You want to be someplace where faculty, staff, and students are proud of the college.
The location also matters. I believe there is an advantage to being in a location that has a healthy community surrounding the college and easy access to an airport and city. And I will admit that my opinion is biased, given that Denison has one of the best locations of any liberal arts college in the nation. We have a beautiful campus in an idyllic village that is 25 minutes from Columbus, which is a vibrant city filled with music, culture, and global businesses.
Finally, pay attention to the first-year program. Select a college where a lot of attention is paid to how students transition into college and the support they receive if they stumble. Once students get connected to courses, faculty, friends, and co-curricular activities, they can thrive, but many students can have some bumps along the way.
Enjoy the process. Enjoy the process of traveling with them to make those final college visits and savor the opportunity to talk to them about what they want in and from a college. Choosing the right college is a chance to have some quality time and conversations with your child.
And, once you select a college, make sure the conversation continues. We expend way too much energy worrying about getting in and selecting the right college, and not nearly enough focusing on how to transition into college and how to take full advantage of the college experience.
Summer Programs
Fir Acres Writing Workshop is a premier residential summer creative writing program, held from June 21–July 4, 2026, for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade high school students. Sixty students from across the country come together for two weeks to write and join a community of writers on the beautiful, wooded campus of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
In daily workshops, participants study great writing and produce their own under the guidance of dynamic, thoughtful, published faculty. At night, participants gather to socialize, meet and hear from distinguished visiting writers, and work on their own poetry, fiction, and creative prose. Apply here
Yale Global Diplomacy Summer Programme 2026 by Yale International Relations Association (YIRA)
Immerse yourself in a transformative journey meticulously designed to empower young leaders, foster cross-cultural understanding, and equip students with the tools to make a meaningful global impact. Guided by Yale mentors and alumni, students will sharpen their leadership skills, broaden their worldview, and build lifelong networks within one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
What Will Participants Gain?
- Rigorous Academic Engagement – Learn directly from Yale mentors through sessions in leadership, diplomacy, public speaking, conflict resolution, and policy writing.
- Global Impact Challenge – Collaborate in teams to tackle pressing world issues and present innovative solutions to peers and mentors.
- Exclusive Cultural Immersion – Explore Yale’s historic campus, museums, and landmarks, while connecting with peers through cultural exchanges and community-building activities.
- Mentorship & Networking – Small-group mentor circles, fireside conversations with Yale alumni, and networking opportunities designed to inspire future academic and professional pathways.
- Certificate of Completion – Awarded by the Yale International Relations Association, recognizing your achievement and leadership potential.
The Yale Experience
- Venue: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Dates: May 25 to 29, 2026
- Eligibility: Grades 8 to 12
- Cohort Size: Limited to 50 students globally
- Meals & Accommodations: Daily lunch will be provided as part of the programme. Students are responsible for arranging and covering their own accommodation.
- Programme Fee:
- Early Bird Fee: 1500 USD (valid until 28th February 2026)
- Regular Fee: 1800 USD
(Fee covers the academic program, mentor sessions, campus activities, and lunch on all program days. Accommodation, visa, and travel costs are not included.)
Applications are now open, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the limited cohort size, early applications are strongly encouraged.
Program Page: https://www.learnwithleaders.com/camps/yale-diplomacy-summercamp/
Apply Here: https://forms.gle/JwyJovycfQESQghp9
Programme Brochure: Click Here
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to able part of the first Yale Global Diplomacy Summer Programme by YIRA, where only 50 students will represent their countries and cultures on a global stage. Spaces are limited, and the opportunity to be among the founding cohort of this historic program is right here!
LaTEENa Conference
Adelante Mujer, Inc. is hosting their LaTEENa Conference for high school scholars as well as their Advanced Leadership Symposium for undergraduate and early-career professionals. Both of these events will be on Saturday, March 7th, in Denver. Registration Links: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-lateena-conference https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-advanced-leadership-symposium
Denver Center for Performing Arts Education Sessions
Registration for the Spring & Summer DCPA Education session is currently open. Have a look at our catalogs, find a course that speaks to your student/s, and enroll now to lock in your preferred class times and dates.
Spring classes begin on a rolling basis starting April 4, and summer classes begin June 15.
COLLEGE
- Denver RMACAC Spring College Fair, March 9, 2025, 1:00p - 4:00p, Cherokee Trail High School, 25901 E Arapahoe Rd, Aurora, CO 80016
HRHS College Fair during Access, Thursday, March 13, 2025
COLLEGE VISITS 2026 (JUNIORS and SOPHOMORES START NOW!)
- 2/9/26, 11:30am University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO
- 2/19/26, 11:30am Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO
- 2/19/26, 2:00pm University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO
- 3/4/26 12:00pm Whitworth University Spokane WA
- 3/4/26 12:30pm Bushnell University Eugene, OR
- 3/4/26 10:30am Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO
- 3/9/26 11:00am University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
Please stop by post grad to sign up (or follow the link in Naviance) to attend so that I can call you out of class, if the visit is not during your lunch/off period.
Tips for Students when meeting with Reps:
- Do your research ahead of time
- Introduce yourself
- Be attentive
- Keep cellphones and headphones in your backpack/pocket
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Say thank you
University of Missouri Sneak Peak
Join us to learn about Mizzou.
The University of Missouri hosts events across the country to bring information about our flagship campus to you. These events will give you and your family the opportunity to:
- Meet Mizzou admissions reps and alumni
- Learn about the admissions process, scholarships, student life and more
- Chat with current Mizzou students and other high school students interested in Mizzou
March 8 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Denver Marriott Tech Center (4900 Dtc Parkway)
Students should register online at mizzou.us/sneakpeek soon since these events can fill up.
LAUNCH
Cornell University, Emory University, Pomona College, Rice University and Washington University in St. Louis are proud to present LAUNCH (Linking Access, Unity, Networking, Collaboration and Higher Education). As your student continues their college search, we invite you to join LAUNCH partners to hear more about our distinctive learning opportunities and dynamic communities. Admission officers from our five schools will host a virtual session to discuss: Each of our schools is unique, but we are united in our commitment to support students and families in making informed decisions about applying to college. At the end of the program, you will have a chance to participate in a live Q&A with the presenters. Register for one of our upcoming virtual events.
Discover ACC: Sturm Series | An Evening at Sturm
March 03, 2026 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
ACC Sturm Collaboration Campus
RSVP: https://calendly.com/phuong-nguyen-4/discover-acc-an-evening-at-sturm
Arapahoe Community College, Sturm Collaboration Campus is hosting Discover ACC: An Evening at Sturm, where education meets workforce. Come by and learn about our pathways, work-based learning opportunities and resources, including:
- Information Sessions (run every 20min)
- Resource Fair
- FAFSA Lab
- Campus Tour (run every 30min)
- and much more!
College of Engineering, Design and Computing at University of Colorado, Denver
There are several opportunities for your students to learn more about our College of Engineering programs. Prospective students could sign up for our monthly virtual info sessions where they can talk to a current engineering student and one of our admissions experts. Or they could request a tour of our college to experience first hand our state-of-the-art labs and meet with faculty and engineering students.
Virtual information sessions
College Tours (individual or group tours)
2026 Colorado Rockies College Fair, STEM Day and Business of Baseball
· Tickets start at $12 for most games.
· Click Here for full schedule, pricing, and additional details.
College Tours Online
No time to visit campus in person? Try watching The College Tours. Each episode of the award-winning TV series shares the story of a single college or university through the authentic lens of its current students. Learn from real students about their real experiences on campus. This TV series is a comprehensive guide to aid your college research, helping you answer the ultimate question: ‘Which college is best for me?’ Take the ultimate campus tour now by watching episodes of this informative TV series. The College Tour at High Point University
SENIORS!
As you receive your college acceptance letters, please let me know of any scholarship offers you receive. And that means EVERY scholarship offered....even if you don't accept the award. We report the total amount offered to our seniors. When you receive award letters, please forward the email, bring it in, snap a picture or email a typed summary....however it is easiest for you to send me the notification of the offer so that we can update our system.
- This includes any scholarship offered to you: need based, academic, athletic, etc.
- Please include the name of the scholarship, the total amount of $$ awarded and indicate if it is a one time scholarship or for all four years.
- Specific information (names, amounts) will not be published. The total $$ earned will be announced during our Honors Convocation ceremony in May and reported to the district.
- Please reach out with any questions you might have!
High School New Venture Challenge (HSNVC)- powered by FirstBank
2026 CU Boulder High School New Venture Challenge (HSNVC) - powered by FirstBank + PLUS is a free, statewide entrepreneurial competition that gives high school students hands-on experience solving real-world problems, developing ideas, and building confidence - with $25,000 in scholarships available!
Virtual Info Session Tuesday, January 13 | 6:00–7:00 PM (MT). Register for HSNVC Info Session HERE to answer all your questions!
Why educators and students love HSNVC
$25,000+ in CU Boulder scholarships available
Hands-on, project-based learning with real-world relevance
Engagement and valuable feedback from entrepreneurs and industry professionals
Strong alignment with workforce readiness and entrepreneurial mindset skills
New in 2026! Exciting micro-credential opportunity for students to earn digital recognition and set themselves apart
Deadlines:
Initial registration deadline: January 31, 2026
Team submissions due: March 25, 2026 (includes 4-minute pitch video and 1–2 page executive summary)
Registrations:
Venture Coaches: REGISTER HERE (each team needs one adult lead to serve at the primary point-of-contact and guide their student teams)
Students: REGISTER HERE (only one student from each team needs to register)
Learn more: HSNVC Website
High School Leadership Conference (HSLC)
High School Leadership Conference (HSLC) is a three-day adventure into leadership exclusively for high school juniors from across the United States. The conference will take place on February 20 to 22, 2026, on the OU campus in Norman, Oklahoma. The application is open now through January 19!
HSLC aims to equip, empower, and inspire high school juniors to realize their leadership potential through innovative and unique programming. Students who attend HSLC receive development that allows them to become better leaders, discover ways to positively impact their schools and communities, learn about working with others, and understand more about applying for and attending college.
Watch our video recapping the conference from earlier this year to see what HSLC is all about! We also encourage students to follow our Instagram account @cac_hslc.
Applicants do not need to be involved in Student Council and/or leadership to apply. This conference is for ALL students in organizations, clubs, and activities. Additionally, the High School Leadership Conference provides need-based tuition waivers of various amounts available for applicants requiring financial assistance.
Hotel accommodations will be provided for campers in Norman, OK.
If you or your high school juniors have any questions, please feel free to contact us at hslc@ou.edu.
College Prep Seminar
Red Rocks Community College is excited to host a College Prep Seminar on Saturday, February 28th from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Students and families are welcome. This event is open to all high school students—and even middle school students who are starting to think about their future. It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in attending any college, not just RRCC, to learn more about the admissions process and what to expect on the path to higher education. Throughout the day, attendees will participate in sessions covering a wide range of helpful topics, including: - Financial Aid - Student Life - Concurrent Enrollment - Student Support Resources - And much more!
CIEE Gap Year Abroad
A successful college career begins with CIEE Gap Year Abroad! A growing number of recent high school graduates are choosing to defer college for a semester or year, and research shows that taking a gap year offers multiple benefits, including improved graduation rates, stronger GPAs, and more fulfilling careers after college. On CIEE European Tour Programs students immerse themselves in three iconic European cities, alongside a small cohort of CIEE students, and expand their understanding of history, art, politics, cuisine, and culture through carefully selected lectures, cultural activities, and excursions.
Apply to 2026 CIEE College First Year Abroad or Gap Year Abroad program by Friday, May 1, and be automatically entered to win a free flight in our College Decision Countdown Giveaway.
Want to boost your chances? Apply early:
- March 1 = 3 entries
- April 1 = 2 entries
- May 1 = 1 entry
CU’s TRiO Student Support Services
CU’s TRiO Student Support Services (TRiO SSS) is a comprehensive and holistic academic excellence program for first-generation, low-income, veteran and disabled students. We cultivate each student’s sense of community, achievement, and leadership while valuing their individuality and unique needs. TRiO SSS strives to maximize student involvement and success in CU’s academic community through mentorship, academic programs, and one-on-one counseling.
We also provide:
Peer Mentors
Free Tutoring
Smaller class sizes (provided by Student Academic Success Center)
Lounges and Private Study Rooms
Career, Financial and community building workshops
We will be admitting 25 incoming freshman that meet our requirements and are interested in participating in our Summer Ready program. We serve undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who meet at least one or more of the following criteria:
First-Generation - neither parent graduated from a four-year college in United States
- qualify as low-income under federal income guidelines.
have a documented disability on-file with CU's Office of Disability Services.
Is a US Veteran
In addition to the above criteria, we also serve students who:
foster youth, unaccompanied, and/or independent status; (Guardian Scholars)
Mckinney Vento designation
FosterEd Student (part of the foster care system by the age of 13)
Are homeless; (Guardian Scholars)
How to Apply: TRiO SSS 2026-2027 Application due: March 22nd, 2026.Students who apply by the deadline will be put in consideration for a LEADS Scholarship if selected for TRiO SSS.
My Journey 2026: What Colleges Really See: Turning High School Choices into Admissions Wins
Tomorrow’s the big day (Tuesday, February 10 | 5:30 p.m.)! Grab your marbled notebooks and gel pens because Collegewise is breaking down the myths and giving you the real deal on high school choices. You’ll learn:
- What “rigor” really means for course selection.
- How extracurriculars factor into admissions decisions.
- Tips for helping students avoid burnout while still standing out
Don’t worry if you can’t make it on time. Your registration includes a recording of the event delivered straight to your inbox.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Start planning which scholarships you may want to apply for:
- Check the Scholarship website on the HRHS website for scholarships and scholarship search engines to help you find scholarships that meet your qualifications.
- I update scholarships that are sent to HRHS seeking potential applicants weekly. It is sorted by application due date.
- I will also post some in this newsletter
AAFCU Foundation Scholarship
Air Academy Credit Union (AACU) is NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for its 2026 AAFCU Foundation Scholarship Program! AACU established the Air Academy Federal Credit Union Foundation in 2002, to promote financial education and wellness within the community. In the spirit of the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People," the Foundation scholarship aims to promote education and lifelong financial responsibility. The scholarship program promotes high school students to unlock their potential and encourage growth! Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis to high school seniors. All majors are accepted. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on academic merit, application questions, essay response, and community involvement. Awarded scholarships will be sent directly to the student's accredited institution.
Qualifications:
- High School Senior
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Eligible to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university
- Applicant will enroll and attend an accredited institution in the academic year after selection
- One of the following applies:
- Applicant has a parent who is an AACU member or Applicant is a current AACU member themselves or Applicant is enrolled in one of our 15 school districts
- Applications will be accepted through March 27, 2026.
2026 Law Day Essay Contest
From the nation's earliest days, the promise of America has been rooted in the idea that all people are equal under the law. The 2026 Law Day theme, "The Rule of Law and the American Dream," highlights how our constitutional framework protects the rights and freedoms that allow each person to pursue their own path. By ensuring that no one is above the law, our system promotes fairness, stability, and opportunity. This year, we invite students to consider how the rule of law helps turn aspirations into reality. Essay Question – All entries must address the prompt: Essay entries should reflect the student’s interpretation of the 2026 Law Day theme by responding to one of the following prompts: 2026 Law Day Essay Contest Page
1) How does the rule of law protect individual rights and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to pursue the American Dream?
2) What challenges threaten the rule of law today, and how might those challenges affect opportunities for future generations?
3) What responsibilities do citizens have to help uphold the rule of law, and how do those responsibilities support the American Dream?
Come by post grad for an entry form. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship
Created in 2003, the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund (HRCSF), a 501(c)3 organization, is in its 23rd year of providing postsecondary education scholarships to Highlands Ranch students who have demonstrated well-rounded participation in their school or community through volunteerism and service hours. Each year, 20-25 $2,500 scholarships are awarded to Highlands Ranch high school seniors. Since its inception, the fund has awarded 453 scholarships totaling $775,000.
Awards are determined by:
Mentoring experience
Community/volunteer service experience
Work experience
Extracurricular activities and school participation
A brief essay using 500 words or less outlining the applicant's favorite community/school participation activity and why Current transcript, including grades for first semester senior year Two letters of recommendation (school-based and community-based)
Due March 6, 2026. See details here.
Rotary Club or University Hills Scholarship
Mount Rosa Chapter Memorial Scholarship
Mount Rosa Chapter of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution offers a $1000 scholarship to the winner’s designated college or university. Applicant must be a Colorado Resident and a U.S. citizen and a high school senior in an accredited institution of education. The scholarship will be awarded to the most deserving applicant based on academics and merit. The applicant must prepare a statement stating his/her goals and career objectives specifying how your college major or college plans relate to your future professional goals, and the reasons for your choices. Please do not to exceed 500 typed words. Please include an Official Transcript of high school grades through the first semester of the senior year. Applicant should provide a list of scholastic achievements, non-academic activities (e.g. sports, music, church, community service) and other accomplishments, honors, and awards. (Please, a maximum of 2 pages.)
Applicant should include two letters of recommendation and a financial need statement. DO NOT include parent(s) annual income or photograph. APPLICATION should be RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE: MARCH 1st , 2026. See Ms. Sadler for application form and details on where to send.
Kit Faragher Foundation
For 2025 the Kit Faragher Foundation will offer three $12,000 scholarships to graduating Colorado high school seniors, with one of those scholarships dedicated to a graduating senior from a Montrose County High School due to the generosity of that community during our fundraisers there over the past several years. These scholarships will support high school seniors who have earned cumulative 2.5 GPAs, are in strong need of financial assistance for college, university or technical school, and who demonstrate positive attitudes, strong commitments and drives towards accomplishment. The applications for 2025 are now available! The application deadline is Friday, April 17, 2026, 5:00 P.M.
Colorado Senior Scholarship Program and Student View Scholarship Program
The Student-View Scholarship is a unique opportunity for high school seniors.
It is open to all students regardless of academic achievement or financial need.
Student Insights will award the following prizes: (Select your state below to apply)
- One (1) individual prize of a $10,000 scholarship.
- Two (2) individual prize of a $1,000 scholarship.
- Three (3) individual prizes, consisting of $500 scholarships each
It is exceptionally easy to apply:
* NO minimum SAT or ACT score
* NO minimum grade point average
* NO lengthy, time-consuming paperwork
* NO essays
* NO application fee
Simply complete a 15-25 minute online survey about local colleges. You will then be automatically entered into a random drawing for a scholarship award.
Colorado Garden Foundation
This scholarship offered by Colorado Garden Foundation is a four-year full-ride scholarship available to an incoming freshman resident from Colorado at a publicly funded Colorado college or university. Applicants must be majoring in one of these fields of study: • Agriculture Business • Agriculture Education • Horticulture • Floriculture • Landscape Architecture • Botany • Plant Biology • Plant Pathology/Science • Nursery & Landscape Management • Environmental Horticulture • Agronomy. Applications must be mailed and received by the Colorado Garden Foundation office by March 15th. No applications received after that date will be considered.
The Denver Foundation Scholarships Are Now Open! 12/15-2/27
With more than 20 competitive scholarship opportunities available through a Universal Application, students submit one application to be considered for multiple awards. High school, college (undergraduate & graduate), trade/tech, and nontraditional students are eligible for our opportunities. Some scholarships may require their own separate application and follow different timelines, so you are encouraged to consider all of our available opportunities.
Application Open: Dec 15
Application Close: Feb 27
Typical Awards Range from $1,000 - $10,000
To learn more and apply: https://denverfoundation.org/scholarships/scholarship-opportunities/. If you have any questions please contact Adelita Aguirre, Scholarships Officer aaguirre@denverfoundation.org 303-951-9565
Grossman Scholarships
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is excited to announce that applications for the Grossman Scholarships are now open for the 2026-2027 school year.
- Scholarships of amounts between $5,000-$10,000 are available for graduating high school seniors.
- Scholarships of amounts between $5,000-$10,000 are available for those pursuing an undergraduate degree, either as a continuation of study or after a postponement of study*.
All applicants must be pursuing post-secondary education in Colorado at an accredited environmental, natural resource, climate, or outdoor industry-related education program.
Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
United States JCI Senate Foundation Vocational/Technical/Trade School Scholarship Application
- Graduating high school seniors in the United States, who reside in a state that has an active JCI Senate program and a scholarship chairperson. Check www.usjcisenate.org under the scholarship tab for a listing of participating states. If your state is not listed, you are not eligible to apply.
- STUDENTS MUST HAVE A GPA OF 3.25 AND ABOVE TO BE CONSIDERED.
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this scholarship.
United States JCI Senate Foundation College/University Scholarship Application.
- Graduating high school seniors in the United States, who reside in a state that has an active JCI Senate program and a scholarship chairperson. Check www.usjcisenate.org under the scholarship tab for a listing of participating states. If your state is not listed, you are not eligible to apply.
- STUDENTS MUST HAVE A GPA OF 3.75 AND ABOVE TO BE CONSIDERED.
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this scholarship.
George C. Evans Post 103 Scholarship
If you are a student living in the Littleton Post Service Area (South of Hampden, Ave, West of I-25 and NE of C470) and are a descendent of a Veteran, you qualify to apply for the $5,000 George C. Evans Post 103 Scholarship. Please email Mrs. Sadler for details. April 9 deadline.
Rotary Scholarship
For Applicants who Intend to Major in SCIENCE or MATH. Application Deadline 2/28/26 and may be downloaded from www.universityhillsrotary.org.
- Permanent address must be in Rotary District 5450
- Applicants must be a United States Citizen.
- Applicant must plan to attend a Colorado college or University
- Applicant must have a GPA of 3.0+
- Must provide evidence of need.
Road Home Exteriors Scholarship
The Road Home Exteriors Scholarship was created to honor local high school seniors in the Denver Metro area who truly live out our company motto: Do What Is Expected, Then Do More. We believe in rewarding students who go above and beyond - whether in academics, leadership, community service, or personal growth. As a locally owned company committed to integrity and excellence in every roofing, siding, and window project, we’re proud to invest in the next generation of leaders who share those same values. This scholarship reflects our dedication to both our craft and our community. The scholarship is divided between four chosen applicants who best exemplify our motto: Do What Is Expected, Then Do More.
Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
The Sachs Foundation is now accepting applications for our Undergraduate Scholarship, supporting Black students in Colorado with $10,000 per year for up to four years of full-time study. Eligibility requirements: • Identify as Black • Have Colorado residency for at least three years • Be a graduating senior from a Colorado high school. All students who fit the criteria are encouraged to apply.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Your full high school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation from persons not related to you
- A one-page personal statement and an additional essay response (350-500 words)
- Your Student Aid Report (SAR). You can obtain your SAR by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you haven’t already done so, at www.fafsa.gov
- Information from your household’s latest tax return
- An additional educational, artistic, or professional file personal to you (optional)
Please note: Completed applications, with all materials, must be received by the Sachs Foundation by March 15th. Letters of Recommendation must be received by March 31st. Applications submitted past the deadline will not be considered. Any incomplete or incorrect statement will directly impact any consideration of your scholarship application.
Students who are identified as finalists for a scholarship will be notified in late April. Finalists will be required to attend a program in Colorado Springs in June. Final approval of an award will be made at that time.
TESTING
Digital SAT practice is free and available to all students through the Bluebook™ testing app. Students can take a full-length digital practice test, view their results, and get linked to additional instructional materials, resources, and lessons on Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy®.
TUTORING
There are several tutors hoping to help students with various subjects or testing. A list can be found on the post grad website.
New Tutor Information
- Erika Smith, M.Ed., specializing in math tutoring, 720-810--0801 or erika.smith.hi@gmail.com
- William Judy, recently retired, 708-979-3589
HRHS NHS Tutoring
This is available for free in the Library every Access period, after school Mon-Thurs from 2:45-3:30, before school on silver days from 7:15-8:10!
Students sign up online for tutoring using this google form: Sign up for NHS Tutoring
What kind of help can you get from a tutoring session?
One-on-One tutoring session -- specific skill or assignment
A study buddy -- study and review for a test
A homework helper -- while you work on your homework
A writing coach -- organize your thoughts/edit your written work
A reading buddy -- help you with your assigned reading
SAT Prep Course at DU (or live online)
There is an opportunity for students to enroll in a high-quality, affordable SAT prep course this winter. The course will be hosted at the University of Denver and taught by a Harvard graduate. A live online option is also available, and families may choose between the in-person and virtual formats. Students who complete the course often see score increases of 200+ points.
Course Details
· 27-hour comprehensive SAT prep course
· Includes 3 proctored practice exams
· Runs for 7 weeks, beginning in February
· Taught live by a 99th percentile instructor with real-time student interaction
· Total cost: $195
Campus Prep has offered these popular courses at the University of Denver for the past 7 years and has served as the official SAT provider for the Boulder Valley School District.
Spots are limited and courses tend to fill quickly.
Apply here: https://www.campusprep.org/sat (applications take about 60 seconds)
You can also visit the link above to view schedules and additional details.
If you have questions, please contact us at admin@campusprep.org or call (877) 805-2521.
VOLUNTEER
General Reminder: All seniors need to complete and turn in 20 hours of community service. Your completed hours are posted on your unofficial transcript. Need ideas?
Rylie's Ark
BIG NEWS - The Be Happy Boutique is relocating and we NEED HELP!! We’ll still be at the Streets at Southglenn, just in a different unit. We need to move all of our inventory to the new space next weekend - Saturday, February 14. Sign up to help!
We’ll be doing a parade of dresses and suits as we push racks through the streets to the new space. We’ll load up vehicles with boxes. It’s a great way to get in steps, service hours, or do some functional training. Looking for 20 people who are willing to get moving with us.
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/8050D4EADAB28A3F94-62239999-moving
Isn’t this the most romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day - ha, ha. Maybe we’ll bring chocolate!
Stone Canyon Outdoor Adventure Camp
We are currently accepting applications for Summer Camp Junior Counselors. Applicants must be rising Juniors or Seniors and volunteer for one session of camp during the summer to earn community service hours for volunteering. Apply here or email summercamp@stonecanyonedge.org for more information.
Shredders Ski Team
We are continuing to prepare for the Shredders Ski Team season and are looking for passionate, enthusiastic volunteers to support individuals with Down Syndrome during their full-day ski lessons as part of the Shredders Ski Team with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) at Winter Park Resort!
NSCD Shredders Ski Team Season Details:
Participants: Individuals with Down Syndrome, ages 5+
Dates: Saturdays, February 21, 28, March 7, and 14, 2026
Location: National Sports Center for the Disabled, Winter Park Resort
Volunteer positions start at age 16 and up
Interested in becoming a volunteer? The NSCD Winter Volunteer Application is Open!
Douglas County Libraries
Need community service hours? Volunteer to be a Teen Reading Buddy at Douglas County Libraries. Click here for more information. Check out more volunteer opportunities at DCL here.
Douglas County Healthy Youth Coalition (DCHYC) Youth Leadership Board
The Douglas County Healthy Youth Coalition (DCHYC) is currently accepting applications for our Youth Leadership Board for the 2025–2026 school year.
The Youth Leadership Board brings together high school students from across the county to:
Strengthen leadership skills through real-world projects
Work alongside community leaders, schools, and parents to improve youth health and well-being
Lead peer-driven initiatives focused on prevention, connection, and advocacy.
- RescueMinds Medical Learning- student-led nonprofit organization committed to increasing access to CPR and Narcan training in high school and college students. Apply to volunteer.
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science Guest Engagement Volunteer program. Students will have the opportunity to volunteer at the information desk, ticket scanning and greeting, while creating a friendlier and more convenient Museum space by serving as gallery guides and performing wayfinding assignments during special events and programs.
- The Aspen Effect offers leadership and volunteer services hours through Ranch Hand Jobs. Visit www.theaspeneffect.org to sign up (limited spaces).
MILITARY
Campus Visits in Commons
Army:
- March 4
US Air Force:
- March 10 College Fair
Marines:
- February 10
- February 18
HONORING SERVICE MEMBERS
To honor the dedication and bravery of former HRHS students serving in the military, we have a recognition wall for service members at HRHS. If you know of a former student enlisted with the military, I would like to include them in our display case. It is an opportunity for our school community to express gratitude and support for these individuals. Please email me the contact info and I can reach out to them to include their name, branch of the military and a photo/write up if available.
Follow the HRHS Postgrad Instagram Page!