Community College Initiative

FSP Multiple Students Smiling

We want to invest in your future. Whether you plan to earn an associate degree and enter the workforce or pursue a transfer pathway to complete a bachelor’s degree, the Fidelity Scholars Program offers scholarships, mentorship, financial education, and personalized support.

How to Apply

The Community College Initiative (CCI) welcomes applications from high school seniors, recent high school graduates, and students currently enrolled at a community college. The application process opens each spring, and eligibility requirements vary based on a student’s educational status.

During the nomination period, Community College Collaborators at eligible institutions may nominate current students who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Current community college students may also express interest directly, while high school seniors and recent graduates planning to attend an eligible institution may request access to the application.

Students who meet the applicable eligibility requirements will receive instructions to complete the CCI application for full consideration.

Complete this form to get the application when it opens on March 8, 2027.

Eligibility Requirements

The program is open to under-resourced students who are residents of Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Utah AND are attending one of the eligible institutions listed below. Additional eligibility criteria include:

High School Seniors, Recent Graduates, and GED Recipients

Applicants must:

  • Be a current high school senior or recent high school graduate with an unweighted GPA between 2.5 and 3.59 or have earned a GED
  • Enroll as a first-time college student at an eligible institution for the 2027–2028 academic year

Current Community College Students

Applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled at an eligible institution
  • Have a minimum college GPA of 2.5
  • Have earned no more than 24 college credits by the end of the spring 2027 semester

Requirements for All Applicants

Applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident at the time of application
  • Be at least 18 years old by the start of their first semester in the program
  • Be a resident of the state where their college is located and qualify for resident tuition rates
  • Be Pell-eligible or demonstrate financial need
  • Be pursuing their first college degree

Eligible Institutions

The Fidelity Scholars Program works with select institutions across its 13 participating regions. Current students attending one of these institutions, as well as high school students who plan to attend one, may be considered for the Community College Initiative.

Colorado:

  • Community College of Aurora

District of Columbia Region:

  • Montgomery College
  • Northern Virginia Community College
  • Prince George’s Community College
  • University of the District of Columbia

Florida:

  • Florida State College at Jacksonville

Kentucky:

  • Gateway Community and Technical College

Massachusetts:

  • Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology
  • Roxbury Community College

New Hampshire:

  • Nashua Community College
  • Manchester Community College

New Jersey:

  • Hudson County Community College

New Mexico:

  • Central New Mexico Community College
  • Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

North Carolina:

  • Durham Technical Community College
  • Wake Technical Community College

Ohio:

  • Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Rhode Island:

  • Community College of Rhode Island
  • New England Institute of Technology

Texas:

  • Tarrant County Community College

Utah:

  • Salt Lake Community College
  • Ogden-Weber Technical Community College

What You Can Expect as a Fidelity Scholar

Students selected for the Community College Initiative receive more than financial support. Scholars gain access to individualized guidance, mentorship, professional development, and resources designed to support their academic, personal, and professional growth.

Degree and Career Pathways

Students from all academic majors are eligible for the program, allowing scholars to pursue academic and career pathways that reflect their interests and professional goals. Students must be enrolled in a designated associate degree program with a declared major.

Whether scholars plan to enter the workforce after earning their associate degree or transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree, the program provides support as they work toward their educational and career goals.

*Certificate programs are not eligible for funding.

Mentorship, Leadership, and Professional Development

Each scholar is paired with a Fidelity mentor and gains access to professional development workshops, conferences, leadership opportunities, and networking experiences designed to strengthen career readiness and expand professional networks. Scholars may also have opportunities to serve as Fidelity Champions, gaining hands-on experience that builds transferable skills such as effective communication, engaging diverse audiences, and representing the program within their communities.

College Success and Scholar Community

Each scholar is supported by a dedicated College Success Coach who provides individualized guidance while helping build community among Fidelity Scholars within and across campuses. Coaches help scholars navigate college, access institutional resources, maximize program opportunities, and strengthen essential skills such as self-advocacy, academic planning, and time management.

Investing in the Whole Scholar

Success extends beyond the classroom. The Fidelity Scholars Program supports scholars’ academic and emotional well-being through mental health resources, including support from The Steve Fund. Scholars gain tools and resources to manage stress, prioritize their