Aims Community College is launching a new financial aid initiative to support first-time college students. The Strong Start Scholarship, which will first be available in Fall 2025, awards eligible students with up to $1,000 in financial support for the first academic year.
Aims Community College Unveils Strong Start Scholarship for First-Time Students
November 21, 2024
“This is one more way, particularly for in-district students, we are making access to Aims more affordable,” said Larry Pakowski, vice president of Student Engagement Inclusion & Success at Aims.
Eligible students who reside within the Aims Community College district will automatically be considered for the award upon enrollment without requiring a FAFSA submission or proof of income. The award can be applied toward tuition, books and fees. “This is a way to open more doors for everyone. We’re trying to make the entire picture more affordable to students who choose to come to Aims,” Pakowski said. “Programs like Strong Start make it virtually tuition-free for a very large population we serve.”
To qualify, recipients must be first-time college students, live in the Aims district, and enroll in at least six credit hours toward a degree or certificate program. Prospective students need to apply to Aims by August 1, 2025, to be eligible for this first round of funding.
“The Aims Strong Start Scholarship is an investment in our students’ futures and the economic health of Northern Colorado,” said Kelly Jackson, Executive Director of the Aims Foundation. “We are committed to collaborating with Aims to provide additional funding, ultimately removing obstacles for those ready to embark on their educational journeys.”
The Strong Start Scholarship ensures that more students can pursue their goals without the burden of excessive financial stress. This scholarship aligns with Aims’ mission of fostering student success by reducing financial barriers and encouraging academic achievement. Offering opportunities to relieve the economic burden of college is a priority, and Aims continues to offer one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado. A result of this commitment is illustrated in the fact that 91% of all Aims students graduate without student loan debt.
For more information about the Aims Strong Start Scholarship, visit aims.co/strong-start.
