Program Mission

Epic Scholars is more than just a scholarship. It is a comprehensive and holistic student support program designed to nurture academic success and professional development for students who have experienced foster care and other challenging backgrounds. The program aims to build a sense of belonging and community among independent students to foster growth and success in college and beyond. Additionally, it addresses the unique personal and financial challenges that participants may face while pursuing their degrees. Epic Scholars provides academic, economic, personal, and career support, helping students create an empowered and confident community working toward graduation.

About

Epic Scholars was established in January 2018. The mission of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance and meaningful support to independent students including those who were emancipated, unaccompanied and/or former foster youth. Once a student has been accepted to the Epic Scholars program, they will remain Epic Scholars through their academic career at MSU Denver as long as annual program requirements are completed. Epic Scholarships awarded are based upon the availability of funds and additional qualifying criteria. 

Epic Scholars is a Metropolitan State University of Denver program aimed at connecting, supporting and empowering students who’ve emerged from the foster care system and other difficult backgrounds—all of whom aspire to achieve greatness through higher education. The Epic Scholars mission is built on championing the desire to overcome, unlocking the potential within, and delivering the opportunities foster alumni and other independent students need to succeed. And at its core, the program aims to be the bridge between inner belief and outward ambition, lighting a pathway toward a better future for these students and the community they represent.

Services Offered Through Epic

Participants in the program will have access to:

  • Student Support Services provided by Epic
  • Individualized academic coaching and emotional support.
  • Scholarship opportunities and support with the scholarship search, application and overall process.
  • Graduate school advising and career advising.
  • Social events and workshops created to engage and connect students on campus.
  • Referrals for housing, food, clothing, health, and Wellness.
  • School supplies and other material supports as expressed/requested by scholars 

Apply to Epic

Epic Scholars Program Application

Thank you for your interest in joining the Epic Scholars Program! Please read the following eligibility and program participations requirements. Then, complete the application using the link below.

 

How to Complete Your Application

1. Review the eligibility and program participation requirements below.

2. Complete the Epic Scholars Application. The application will take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

3. After you have completed the application, someone from the Epic Scholars Program will reach out to your MSU Denver email within 3-5 business days regarding next steps.

 

Once a student has been accepted to the Epic Scholars program, they will remain Epic Scholars throughout their academic career at MSU Denver as long as semester long program requirements are met. Epic Scholarships are awarded based on availability of funds and qualifying criteria.

Please contact [email protected] for any questions related to the application process.

 

Eligibility for the Epic Scholars Program

  • Be admitted to MSU Denver and registered for at least 6 credit hours.
  • Applicants must have completed high school successfully with a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or have a current GPA of 2.0 at MSU Denver.
  • Applicants must have experience in different systems of care (foster care, legal guardianship, kinship care, division of youth services) or self-identify as unaccompanied youth, emancipated minors and independent students through the Financial Aid office.

 

Program Participation Requirements & Epic Scholarship Requirements
Upon acceptance to the Epic Scholars Program, student agrees to the following:

  • Meet with Program Manager or Peer Mentor at least twice per semester to create and review your individual Action Plan
  • Complete end-of-year survey
  • Maintain 2.0 GPA

To be eligible for Epic Scholarship, participants must complete the following in addition to the base Program Participation Requirements listed above:

  • Complete Action Plan each semester
  • Complete Epic Scholarship Application for corresponding semester
  • Attend 4 Epic events per semester, including:
    • at least 1 Career Readiness AND/OR Graduate School Readiness
    • at least 1 Financial Literacy
    • at least 1 Non-Cognitive Skill Building OR 1 Health & Wellness
    • at least 1 Community Building Event

NOTE: Scholarship awards are based on funds available and current number of Epic Scholars. Final award decision will be based on Financial Aid approval.

Support the Epic Scholars Program!

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Annual Reports

Epic Scholars Report: 2019-2021

Epic Scholars Report: 2021-2023

Contact Us

For any additional information, email us: [email protected].

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