The Chang Chavkin Program provides guidance and financial support to first generation students and their families as they navigate the college search and admissions process. The Program continues to provide support while attending college, as our purpose is to help students thrive and succeed in college. Our goal is to elevate the success of first generation students by helping them successfully get admitted to a quality four year college, maximize their financial aid opportunities, and obtain a Bachelor’s degree.

The Program prioritizes first generation (neither parent has a 4-year degree), high achieving students who have demonstrated financial need.

Special family circumstances will be considered. For example, if a student has a parent with a 4-year degree but that parent has not been influential in the students life, we may consider the student eligible. Also, students with parents with 2-year degrees, or 3-years of college, are considered eligible.

The Program is a “last dollar” scholarship and provides up to $15,000 per year for four years toward the cost of full-time attendance at an accredited U.S. college.

The application for the Chang Chavkin Scholars Program is available to all eligible high school students. Students can access the online application system here.

• A student’s ambition to succeed at a challenging college or university
• A student’s academic achievement and potential
• A student’s leadership qualities
• A student’s personal development and maturity
• Family financial need

Scholarship selection committees consist of professionals of higher education and Chang Chavkin foundation staff. Committee members will review the initial applications and select a group of semifinalists. Semifinalists will then be asked to provide additional information. Finalists will be selected from that group and an interview scheduled with members of the selection committee. Interviews are held in early May each year and scholarship recipients will be notified in late May.

Yes, your FAFSA should be completed as close to October 1^st of your senior year as possible to ensure that you receive the most funding possible. To qualify for the CC Scholars Program, you must complete and submit your FAFSA. The FAFSA and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is required in order to receive your scholarship.

With assistance from their Program director, scholars will sign an Award Agreement that will outline goals and actions to encourage the likelihood of success. Parents, or guardians, will also sign this plan. As a Chang Chavkin Scholar, you will be expected to participate in Program events and activities including orientation programs and an annual gathering of Scholars, their families, and our high school partners.

Students and their families should always feel free to contact your program’s director: Valene Baskfield in Colorado at valene@changchavkinscholars.org or Nancy Roseman in Massachusetts at nancy@changchavkinscholars.org. They look forward to hearing from you. Students can also contact their high school guidance counselor for information about the Chang Chavkin Scholars Program.