Boulder Valley School District Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Impact on Education Foundation for Boulder Valley Schools

Introduction Generous individuals and organizations in our area fund scholarships to help local students continue their education after high school. The awards below are intended for Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) students pursuing post-secondary study. Impact on Education administers these funds and coordinates with high school counselors and community partners to collect and review applications. 2026 Scholarship Application Period Applications for the 2026 scholarship cycle will be accepted from January 23 through March 23. Dennie & Donna Wise Scholarship — $1,000 Purpose: Supports BVSD graduates who plan to attend a vocational, technical, or community college. Background: Dennie Wise, formerly an Impact on Education board member, created a scholarship in memory of his wife Donna to help BVSD students afford community college and trade school. Following Dennie’s passing, his children contributed to the fund and the name was updated to honor both parents. Award: - $1,000 scholarship, renewable for up to two years (total possible: $2,000) - Funds payable to the student’s school of attendance Eligibility: - Current BVSD student - Intends to enroll (full- or part-time) in a vocational, technical, or community college program Earl & Barbara Bolton Scholarship — $5,000 Purpose: For BVSD graduates planning to study engineering, forestry, nursing, medicine, or related sciences at a Colorado college or university. Award: - $5,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four years (total possible: $20,000) - Paid directly to the student awardee after verification of enrollment Eligibility: - Current BVSD student - Strong academic record - Demonstrated financial need - Acceptance to a full-time program at a public or private college, community college, university, or trade/vocational school in Colorado - Intends to pursue careers in engineering, forestry, nursing, medicine, or the sciences Gould-Foothill Scholarship — $2,500 Purpose: To assist Boulder High School graduates planning to earn a degree in education. Background: Established in 2000 through the estate of James B. Gould and Bernice W. Gould, this endowment supports Boulder High students who aim to become educators. Award: - $2,500 awarded to two students per year, non-renewable - Paid to the recipient’s school of attendance Eligibility: - Current BVSD student enrolled at Boulder High School - Demonstrates financial need - Plans to complete the education required to become an educator Houston Scholarship — $10,000 Purpose: For BVSD graduates who would likely be unable to attend college without scholarship assistance. Background: Created in 2023 by supporters of Impact on Education, the Houston Scholarship honors a family member who put financial responsibilities to family ahead of pursuing formal education. The family’s goal is to remove financial barriers and open opportunities through higher education. Award: - $10,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four years (or five non-consecutive) (total noted: $40,000) - Paid to the student awardee after enrollment verification Eligibility: - Current BVSD student - Demonstrates academic achievement, evidenced by admission to a Colorado post-secondary college or university by May 1 of the year the student applies - High school GPA approximately between 3.0 and 3.5, verified via transcript - Plans to be a full-time student at a Colorado public or private four-year college or university - Demonstrates moderate financial need Award Renewal Requirements: - Prior to each semester, submit an official or unofficial college/university transcript verifying enrollment in at least 12 credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher - Provide Impact on Education a brief year-end update summarizing the academic year Jeff Howenstein Panther Scholarship — $1,000 Purpose: For BVSD and Boulder High graduates who participated in the AVID program and have demonstrated financial need. Background: Jeff “Howie” Howenstein was a passionate Boulder High teacher and a strong advocate for AVID students, encouraging them to reach both academic and personal goals. Award: - $1,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four years (consecutive or non-consecutive) (total possible: $4,000) - Paid to the school of attendance Eligibility: - Current BVSD student - Participant in the Boulder High AVID program - Acceptance letter from a college or university - Demonstrated financial need - Minimum GPA: 2.5 New Vista High School Scholarship — $5,000 Purpose: For a New Vista High School graduate who shows financial need and exemplifies the school’s commitments to equity, community partnership, and non-traditional learning while pursuing post-secondary education. Award: - $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years (consecutive or non-consecutive) (total possible: $20,000) - Paid to the school of attendance - Applicable to undergraduate university programs, community colleges, or technical/trade schools Eligibility: - Current senior at New Vista High School with at least three years of attendance - Demonstrates financial need - Acceptance to an undergraduate university, community college, or technical/trades school - Reflects New Vista High School’s mission, vision, and values Questions or Assistance Impact on Education works with BVSD counselors and community partners to manage these awards and the application process. Contact your high school counselor or Impact on Education for help with the application or to confirm eligibility.