The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado has opened the application for a significant scholarship opportunity for first-generation students, with a deadline to apply by March 1, 2026. The MOLAS Scholarship (Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship) is a need-based scholarship for La Plata and San Juan County, Colorado students – including nontraditional students. To be eligible, an individual must be a first-generation rising first-year college/trade school student or non-traditional student at a Colorado institution in the fall of 2026. The student who receives this scholarship will get up to 85% of their tuition, room and board covered. The MOLAS Scholarship is renewable for up to four years.  

“This will be the fourth year we have offered this impactful scholarship which has already helped three talented individuals attend top Colorado schools like CSU, School of Mines, and Mesa State,” says Briggen Wrinkle, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “We encourage people to share this life changing opportunity with any eligible students in their lives.” 

The deadline to apply for the MOLAS scholarship is Sunday, March 1, and decisions will be announced in early April. The 2026 scholarship winner will be a La Plata County or San Juan County, Colorado resident. The online application can be accessed on the Community Foundation’s website, swcommunityfoundation.org/scholarships. Please review eligibility requirements and call Rachel at 970-375-5807 Ext. 3 if you have any questions. 

The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado inspires hope, leadership and generosity in the community by bringing economic stability, professional development and collaboration to the nonprofit sector. As a community facilitator, the Community Foundation works to increase efficiency, sustainability and success for nonprofits, while maximizing effective grant-making for philanthropists. Learn more at swcommunityfoundation.org.