Aug. 7, 2026
With the fall 2026 semester beginning Aug. 17, the Community College of Aurora (CCA) is reminding eligible Aurora Public Schools (APS) graduates that there is still time to take advantage of the Momentum Scholarship, which provides up to three years of tuition-free education for students who completed concurrent enrollment courses while in high school. CCA is holding Momentum Monday workshops where students can sign up to get enrollment assistance and find out if they’re eligible for the scholarship.
Rising college costs continue to be one of the greatest barriers to higher education. First announced this year, the Momentum Scholarship removes that obstacle by allowing eligible students to earn a certificate or associate degree without paying tuition, helping them graduate with less debt and greater financial freedom. According to 2023 data, 49.3% of Colorado bachelor’s degree graduates carried student loan debt, compared with just 29.3% of CCA graduates.
With the new Momentum Scholarship, taking advantage of concurrent enrollment opportunities during high school will truly become transformative for our students,
said APS Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. This new partnership solidifies the educational pathway from high school to higher education. We know the cost of a college degree can be a barrier to many of our students, but this scholarship breaks through that barrier and gives them the assurance they need to chase their career dreams.
There’s Still Time To Take Advantage
To qualify for the Momentum Scholarship, students must:
- Enroll as a full-time student for the fall 2026 semester at CCA – that means taking at least 12 credit hours and no more than 18 credits. Classes start on Aug. 17.
- Have completed a concurrent enrollment class with CCA while enrolled in an APS high school.
- Be a 2026 graduate from an APS high school.
- Enroll in courses that are eligible for financial aid.
- Be eligible for state or federal financial aid when completing the FAFSA or CAFSA.
Beyond tuition savings, Momentum Scholarship recipients gain access to programs that provide clear pathways – either to get a high-paying job right after graduation or continue on to a four-year university to pursue additional education. CCA also offers the same support services and professional development opportunities found at larger universities.
The second most common reason students leave college is affordability. The Momentum Scholarship addresses this barrier by keeping costs down, helping students build academic momentum, and allowing them to continue their education in the same community where they graduate from high school,
said Clair E. Collins, CCA’s Vice President of Enrollment Success and Completion. Offering this scholarship aligns with three of CCA’s five strategic plan pillars: student excellence, community excellence, and academic excellence. It’s a big investment in creating truly meaningful upward socioeconomic mobility for our community.
Enroll For the Fall 2026 Semester, Starting Aug. 17
There is no application for the Momentum Scholarship. Students who are eligible automatically receive full tuition payment for their certificate or associate’s degree. The scholarship is applied at the time of CCA’s census – around the 12th day of classes. As long as a student remains eligible, the Momentum Scholarship funds students’ full tuition every semester for up to three years.
With fall 2026 classes beginning Aug. 17, CCA encourages eligible APS graduates to enroll now and take advantage of this unique opportunity to earn a college credential without the burden of tuition costs. Through the Momentum Scholarship, CCA and APS continue to strengthen a seamless pathway from high school to higher education, helping more students launch successful careers while reducing financial barriers to achieving their goals.
Apply to CCA to get started or attend a Momentum Monday workshop to get help enrolling. More information about the Momentum Scholarship is available online.
Still in high school? Current APS students can lock in this opportunity by taking at least one college course through CCA’s concurrent enrollment program.