The Boettcher Foundation has picked this year’s crop of homegrown scholars — superior young people from Colorado high schools selected to receive the prestigious Boettcher Scholarships.
Among the 40 Boettcher scholars chosen from more than 1,100 applicants are 13 high school students who chose to enroll at the University of Denver this fall — the highest number to any Colorado institution for the second year in a row. Their selection raises the number of DU Boettcher scholars-in-residence to 49.
“Clearly the word is out that DU is a great home for Colorado’s best students,” says Shawn Alfrey, assistant director of the University Honors Program. “These new Boettcher Scholars are joining a cohort who are active in the Honors Program, Pioneer Leadership Program and many other facets of life at DU. We are so happy to have them as part of our community.”
The Colorado-based Boettcher Scholarship Program began in 1952 as a statewide competition recognizing scholarship, leadership, service and achievement. The scholarship covers virtually all expenses, including tuition, books and a living stipend for students who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions to Colorado and choose to further their education in their home state. The Boettcher Foundation awards 40 scholarships each year.
To qualify, students must rank among the top 5 percent of their graduating class, score at least 1200 on the reading and math sections of the SAT or 27 on the ACT and demonstrate leadership and service in school and community activities.
“Boettcher Scholars are some of the best and brightest young people in our state,” says Timothy Schultz, president and executive director of the Boettcher Foundation. “They are an incredible asset both to the community and to the schools that they choose to attend.”