2026 Scholarships
Fueling our students' drive
At ECOC, we are deeply committed to breaking down barriers that hinder children of color and children of poverty from accessing quality education and achieving their full potential. Central to this commitment is our dedication to providing scholarships for deserving students, empowering them to pursue higher education.
ECOC has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships and educational gifts in the last five years. This year, over $50,000 in scholarships will be awarded at the Summit on February 21, 2026 at Fountain Fort Carson High School.
Students must attend the 2026 Summit Conference on February 21, 2026 at Fountain Fort Carson High School in order to be eligible for scholarships. Attendance is FREE for all students. Scholarship applications open December 1, 2025.
The deadline for all scholarships is Jan. 21, 2026 at midnight.
All essays will be screened for AI-generated content. Unless otherwise specified in the scholarship guidelines, essays that present more than 30% AI-generated content will not be considered.
Our Scholarship Opportunities
2026 ECOC Annual Summit Theme Scholarship
Description
Six theme scholarships will be awarded: one grand prize in the amount of $5,000, and five runners-up in the amount of $3,000.
Prompt
The 2026 Summit theme is: "For there is always light...if only we're brave enough to be it." — Amanda Gorman
Please address the 2026 theme and how it impacts you or your world view. Feel free to draw inspiration directly from the quote OR use the following questions to guide your submission: How does the quote explain your perspective on equity and justice? What can be done to increase equity and justice in your own community or the greater "global" community?
Guidelines
Submissions may be poetry, an essay, performance art, a piece of art, a video, an experiment, etc. If the submission is an essay, it be at least one page double spaced and use proper spelling and grammar. Be sure to use a legible, 12 pt font (e.g. Times New Roman).
Eligibility
Juniors, seniors, high school students concurrently enrolled in college, and undergraduate college students.
United Court of the Pikes Peak Empire LGBTQ+ Pride & Resilience Scholarship
Description
The United Court of the Pikes Peak Empire LGBTQ+ Pride & Resilience Scholarship is a
$1,000 scholarship created to uplift and support LGBTQ+ youth pursuing higher education.
This scholarship is provided by the United Court of the Pikes Peak Empire, whose mission is
to conduct charitable and public service projects and events to benefit legitimate charities,
and to provide social and charitable activities for the benefit of the LGBTQ+ community.
This scholarship is designed to recognize LGBTQ+ identifying students who have
demonstrated resilience, courage, and perseverance in the face of personal, social, or
systemic challenges. Through this award, the United Court of the Pikes Peak Empire aims
to invest in the future of LGBTQ+ youth by helping reduce financial barriers and affirming
their right to thrive, succeed, and be authentically themselves.
Prompt
As an LGBTQ+ young person, many individuals face unique challenges related to identity,
acceptance, safety, or access to opportunity.
Please describe a significant challenge or adversity you have faced as an LGBTQ+ individual
and how it has shaped who you are today. How did you respond to this challenge, and what
did you learn about yourself through the experience? In your response, discuss how your
journey has influenced your educational and career goals, and how receiving this
scholarship would support your continued growth, resilience, and success.
Guidelines
Applicants may submit a one-page essay (minimum of 250 words). Submissions should
clearly address the prompt and reflect the applicant’s personal experiences, voice, and
aspirations.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
• Self-identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community
• Be a junior or senior in high school, a high school student concurrently enrolled
in college, or an undergraduate college student
• Demonstrate financial need
• Plan to attend, or currently attend, a college, university, trade school, or
certification progra
The J & A Hill Scholarship
Description
This $1,000 scholarship is provided by the family of Joseph and Anna Hill who believed in the potential
deep within every student. They understood the importance of higher education and that the
path was not always easy. This scholarship will support students who have shown resilience in
the eyes of challenge.
Prompt
Describe a significant adversity you have faced and how it has shaped who you are today. What
was challenges have you encountered, and how did you respond to them? In your response,
explain how this experience influenced your goals. How did this strengthen your determination
to pursue higher education, and prepare you to succeed in college and beyond
Guidelines
Submissions may be in the form of a one page essay (a minimum of 250 words) or a video (no more than 3 minutes).
Eligibility
Candidates should be high school students, be a resident of El Paso County, and plan to attend a junior college, university, trade school, or certificate program.
The Independence Center Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Description
The Independence Center is proud to partner with Educating Children of Color to offer a $1,000 scholarship to a student who self-identifies as having a disability. This scholarship supports students pursuing higher education, vocational training, or certification programs that align with their personal and professional goals.
Prompt
1. How has your disability shaped your goals, passions, or perspective—and how will this scholarship help you pursue your dreams?
(Essay or video response)
2. What does independence mean to you, and how do you advocate for yourself or others in your community?
(Essay or video response)
Guidelines
Applicants must complete the scholarship application form and respond to two open-ended questions. Submissions may be in the form of:
· A one-page essay (double-spaced)
· A short video (up to 3 minutes; smartphone recordings are acceptable)
Note: Authenticity and clarity are valued more than grammar or production quality. AI-generated content must comprise less than 50% of the submission.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
· Self-identify as having a disability, including but not limited to: deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, a physical disability (e.g., mobility impairments), a cognitive or intellectual disability, have a mental health condition, or neurodivergence (e.g., autism, ADHD).
Applicants must be between the ages of 16–24 and be a resident of El Paso County, Colorado.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan to attend a college, university, trade school, or certification program.
Collins-Alpern Scholarship
Description
The Collins-Alpern family is sponsoring a $2,000 scholarship for a custodial parent who is pursuing a degree or certification in a higher education program, a skilled trade program, technology, or any degree or certification advancing their education.
Prompt
Please describe your dream for your future and how further education will help you to attain your goals.
Guidelines
Submissions may be a one page essay (double-spaced) or a short video of approximately three minutes in length. Videos may be made on a smart phone. Content is valued more than grammar. Essays that are more than 50% AI-generated will not be accepted for evaluation.
Eligibility
Candidates should be between the ages of 18-24 and may be a current high school, college, or aspiring student. The candidate must be a resident of El Paso County, Colorado. The candidate must be a parent with custody of their child or children.
Peaks Recovery Centers Scholarship
Description
Peaks Recovery Centers is sponsoring one (1) $2,000 scholarship for those pursuing a degree in a helping profession (e.g., psychology, social work, human services).
Prompt
What does improved mental health supports look like and what does this mean to you personally?
Guidelines
Submissions may be poetry, an essay, performance art, a piece of art, a video, an experiment, etc. If the submission is an essay, it be at least one page double spaced and use proper spelling and grammar. Be sure to use a legible, 12 pt font (e.g. Times New Roman).
Eligibility
Juniors, seniors, high school students concurrently enrolled in college, and undergraduate college students who are pursuing a degree in a helping profession (e.g., psychology, social work, human services).
William F. Stanley Foundation Scholarship
Description
William F. Stanley Foundation is sponsoring one (1) $2,000 scholarship.
Prompt
Explain how has someone "paid it forward" for you to be successful? How was it helpful? How will you use your future endeavors to "pay it forward" to the next generation of students?
Guidelines
Submissions should be at least one page double spaced and use proper spelling and grammar. Be sure to use a legible, 12 pt font (e.g. Times New Roman).
Eligibility
Juniors, seniors, high school students concurrently enrolled in college, and undergraduate college students.
OHE Scholarship – Construction and Skilled Trades
Description
Oros Home Enhancements, LLC is sponsoring one $1,000 scholarship for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in construction and skilled trades.
Prompt
Describe a world without skilled trades. How would we function as a society? Please address your intent to pursue a career in construction or other skilled trades.
Guidelines
Submissions should be at least one page double spaced and use proper spelling and grammar. Be sure to use a legible, 12 pt font (e.g. Times New Roman).
Eligibility
Juniors, seniors, high school students concurrently enrolled in college, and undergraduate college students.
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church Scholarship
Description
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, which honors the “interdependent web” of all beings, is sponsoring two (2) $1,000 scholarships for individuals who have had a positive impact in their community or who have been positively transformed by a connection to a community or individual.
Prompt
Choose one of the following:
Describe a way in which your involvement in the community has made a positive impact.
Describe how your community or an individual has transformed you in a positive way.
Guidelines
Submissions may be in the form of a written essay with a maximum of 350 words or a video essay up to 3 minutes in length. If an essay, it should be at least one page double spaced and use proper spelling and grammar. Be sure to use a legible, 12 pt font (e.g. Times New Roman).
Eligibility
Juniors, seniors, high school students concurrently enrolled in college, and undergraduate college students; as well as trade school students. Students must reside in El Paso County or in Colorado.
USAA STEAM Scholarships
Description
Five (5) $2,000 STEAM scholarships will be awarded.
Prompt
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Why STEAM? What drew you to a career in STEAM? What are your career aspirations?
Guidelines
Submissions may be poetry, an essay, performance art, a piece of art, a video, an experiment, etc. If the submission is an essay, it should be at least one page double spaced and use proper spelling and grammar. Be sure to use a legible, 12 pt font (e.g. Times New Roman).
Eligibility
Juniors and seniors
Rhonda Campbell Memorial Scholarship
Description
One (1) $2,000 scholarship will be awarded.
Submissions must be essays. Rhonda Campbell served on the Board of Directors for Educating Children of Color, Inc. for more than 5 years until she was stricken by cancer. She worked tirelessly with D49 high school students with special needs. She was active in her church, Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church working in several ministries. She was passionate about education and coordinated and chaperoned a bi-annual college tour of HBCUs for students from across Denver and Colorado Springs. This scholarship is to honor her legacy.
Prompt
Choose one of the following prompts:
Describe one (or more) aspects of your culture that has influenced your goals.
How will a college degree prepare you to be a better citizen of the world?
Guidelines
Submissions should be at least one page double spaced and use proper spelling and grammar. Be sure to use a legible, 12 pt font (e.g. Times New Roman).
Eligibility
Juniors, seniors, high school students concurrently enrolled in college, and undergraduate college students.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Scholarship
Description
Two (2) $2,500 scholarships will be awarded. Submissions must be essays.
Prompt
How will you use your future endeavors to "pay it forward" to the next generation of students?
Guidelines
Submissions should be at least one page double spaced and use proper spelling and grammar. Be sure to use a legible, 12 pt font (e.g. Times New Roman).
Eligibility
Juniors, seniors, high school students concurrently enrolled in college, and undergraduate college students.
$718k in scholarships awarded to date
We firmly believe that education is the key to dismantling the cradle-to-prison pipeline, and scholarships are a vital tool in this mission. These scholarships not only open doors to academic excellence but also pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
Join us in championing education as a pathway to transformation and together, we can create lasting change.
