Parents and Families
We are excited to welcome and collaborate with you on your student’s educational journey after high school. Our hope is to be a valuable resource and a strong supporter for you and your student in making college possible regardless of their chosen pathway!
Parent and Family Resources
Applying to College
Applying to Financial Aid
The DSF Scholarship & Others
College Success & Persistence
The Power of Parent Engagement for DSF Scholars
Rebecca Vargas and Jesús Plata, parents of a DSF Scholar at Colorado State University, share their story of navigating the college process as parents of a first-generation college student and offer valuable advice for other families walking a similar path.
Senior Student & Parent Timelines
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My Student is in High School
Where do I start?
Visit a DSF Future Center located within your high school and speak to a DSF College Advisor.
How do I save on application fees?
Colleges in Colorado will offer Free Application Days in October.
Almost all colleges and universities have application fee waivers for financial hardship during the entire year. As such, if you have a financial hardship and wish to submit your admission application before (or after) Free Application Days, contact the admission office at the college/university you want to apply to for more information.
Also, look into the Common App Fee Waiver.
How do I support my student?
Continue to talk to your student about their goals after high school. Each student’s dreams and definition of success is different. And their pathway to college is unique. A technical college may be the best choice, or starting at a community college before transferring to a university. Always be open to listen and give your opinion when asked.
Where can my family get support with financial aid?
Ask your DSF Future Center College Advisor for information on days and times for Financial Aid Workshops at your High School. These workshops will be available to parents and scholars in completing FAFSA/CASFA. Here are also a few videos to inform you on how to apply.
What documents will I need to complete financial aid?
Parents please use this link to gather the information and correct tax documentation necessary to complete FAFSA/CASFA.
What are the income requirements to apply for aid?
One of the biggest myths about financial aid is that you shouldn’t apply if your family makes too much money. But the reality is that there are no income limits with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); any eligible student can fill out the FAFSA to see if they qualify for aid.
My Student is in College
How do I remain involved in my student’s college education while letting them develop independence?
Begin to slowly shift your conversations from “parent” to “coach” or “mentor”, but being a sounding board instead of a dictator. Share stories of the struggles and successes you had as you transitioned from a teen to an adult.
Does my DSF scholarship recipient remain eligible?
Have your student connect with their college’s DSF Campus Contact to discuss current DSF scholarship requirements and their eligibility status. They can help them understand what to do to remain eligible to receive money. Click HERE to find your school and Advisor.
My student was not eligible for the DSF scholarship this year. What should we do?
We recommend that students take the time to better understand the DSF scholarship eligibility requirements and determine if they can apply again the following year.
My student missed the DSF July 15th deadline to complete their financial aid requirements. Now what?
If you weren’t able to complete your college’s financial aid requirements by July 15, your student won’t qualify for a fall DSF scholarship. But they may qualify in the next academic term if they complete their requirements by November 15. Click HERE to learn about how to complete financial aid requirements.
What do we do if our student did not enroll full time to be eligible for the DSF scholarship?
If your student did not enroll full time, your student should work closely with their DSF Campus Contact or academic advisor to enroll full-time (at least 12 credits) next term so they may be eligible for the DSF Scholarship. Click HERE to learn more.
My student applied for the DSF Scholarship but did not meet DSF's GPA requirement for their college. What should we do?
In order to become eligible, your student will need to meet the minimum GPA requirement for their college type (2-year college, university, technical school or certificate). Take a look at the high school GPA appeal and get help from a DSF Campus Contact assigned to your student’s college. More information can be found HERE.
Your Student can Become a DSF Scholar
Denver Scholarship Foundation believes in the potential of every Denver Public Schools student, and we believe every one of them deserves the opportunity to earn a college degree or certificate.
Hear Directly From
Our Scholars and Parents
“Nobody jumps into college thinking it’ll be easy. But my mom really appreciated the support from DSF and being included. I know other Spanish speaking parents feel the same way! It is a challenge that is well worth it, but many times the most stressful aspects are the times outside of class. From finances to being a first generation student navigating a new life style, its an easy route to get lost in. Thankfully, I was welcomed as a DSF Scholar. Not only were they a financial help, but they were a community meant to put students and parents like mine at ease with lots of resources. Language was always a huge barrier between my mom and my education, this is where DSF stood out the most for me and my family.” – Graciela, DSF Alumni