Community College of Aurora (CCA) students Carmelina Mejia, Human Resource Management Certificate, and Shamone Franziska McEwen, Addiction Recovery BAS, have been selected as scholars in the Fidelity Scholars Community College Initiative, a career readiness program.
On top of financial assistance, students in this cohort receive a college success coach and a Fidelity mentor. They also gain access to workshops and networking opportunities designed to enhance professional skills and expand career prospects.
“We are pleased to share that we have successfully concluded our first Fidelity Scholars Community College Initiative nomination process,” said John Wolfkill, Executive Director of Community College of Aurora Foundation. “As the most diverse college campus in Colorado where more than 55% of students are the first in their families to earn a college credential, numerous students are forced to drop out because of money, not motivation or talent. Thank you Fidelity Scholars Initiative for helping us change that.
The Fidelity Scholars Initiative funds associate degree recipients for up to two years of study and certificate students for up to one year. The amount of financial support provided for each student varies depending upon the cost of attendance and the determination of need. Eligibility includes the following:
· High school graduates with a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 or above or have an earned GED certificate
· In the process of enrolling or currently enrolled with no more than 24 earned credits at the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester (up to one year of credit toward the degree in accordance with institutional guidelines)
· Pursuing their first degree or certificate
· Working toward a degree in a STEM, financial services, vocational/technical, or health related field
· Pell eligible or demonstrate financial need
· U.S. citizens or have legal permanent residence
· Prepared to fully engage in the Fidelity Scholars Program
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, CCA President; Clair Collins, Vice President of Enrollment Success and Completion; and Wolfkill, met with Fidelity to secure CCA’s spot as a participating institution and helped identify eligible applicants. Britt Davis, Scholarship & Donor Impact Coordinator for the CCA Foundation, assisted students to complete the nomination, application and video interview processes.
“At CCA, we believe every student deserves the chance to succeed—regardless of background or financial circumstance,” said Dr. Mordecai Brownlee. “The Fidelity Scholars Initiative represents more than just financial support; it’s a commitment to equity, access, and the transformative power of education. We are proud to partner with Fidelity in empowering our students to achieve their academic and career goals.”
Wolfkill added, “The Fidelity Scholars Initiative does not just financially support our students. It reminds us all what’s possible when talent is given the opportunity to grow.”