Initiatives
The BPI Scholars Program
Applications will reopen in February 2027
The Bates Philanthropic Initiative (BPI) is proud to provide financial support for Colorado's financially disadvantaged high school seniors seeking an education in skills-based careers.
Our mission is to bridge the skills and opportunity gap for in-need graduating high school students by expanding access to career and technical education (CTE) and work readiness opportunities across Colorado. Becoming a BPI Scholar is a both an academic honor and access to a support network of partners and resources designed for success.
We administer our own program, personally reviewing each applicant as a potential BPI Scholar. The application process is easy and straightforward, with dedicated support to answer your questions along the way.
Learn more about how to become a BPI Scholar Eligibility Requirements: - Current graduating high school seniors or within one year of graduating high school - Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent) - Plan to enroll full-time at a two-year community college or vocational-occupational trade school/technical college within the state of Colorado for the entire upcoming academic year - Pursue a professional certification or degree in a skills-based field featured in the Colorado Career Cluster Model. This scholarship is not eligible for the Business, Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Public Administration Career Cluster. - Certification programs must be a minimum of one semester/term in length and recipients must be enrolled at the time awards are disbursed. Prerequisite courses are ineligible. - Applicants demonstrating financial need will be given preference - Preference will be given to applicants who are first-generation high school graduates and first-generation college attendees - Awards are not automatically renewable
Nonprofit Partner Grants
We provide grants to registered Colorado nonprofit partners who deliver critical support services to in-need students and eliminate the barriers to their education. From providing solutions for transportation, child-care, course, certification, and materials fees, and apprenticeship opportunities, nonprofits are at the forefront of making CTE more accessible to our under-served young adults. We are seeking to support nonprofits in expanding their impact.
Grant windows are twice yearly:
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Spring Applications: April
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Fall Applications: October
Grant applications are invitation only:
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Letter of Interest (LOI) submissions will reopen in October, 2026
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Complete the LOI form before deadline
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Grant Proposal invitations issued to well qualified organizations
Do you provide a service that could fill a gap? Reach out and become a BPI partner.
Letters of Interest window will reopen October, 2026
