Ellbogen Opportunity Scholarship

The Ellbogen Opportunity Scholarship is funded by the John P. Ellbogen Foundation with resources targeted at adult students to help dismantle the economic and social barriers that face adults and returning students who identify postsecondary education as a reconnection pathway to achieve better outcomes in their education and employment.

Award Amounts

• $1500/semester: maximum award for a full-time student (12+ credit hours)
• $1250/semester: maximum award for ¾ time student (9-11 credit hours)
• $750/semester: maximum award for part-time student (6-8 credit hours)

Maximum Award

• Up to two academic years (4 consecutive semesters). May include one summer semester for students maintaining continuous enrollment and meeting all eligibility requirements.

Eligible Eastern Wyoming College programs include:

• Agriculture
• Beef Production – Certificate
• Business Administration – AAS (includes distance learning option)
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Child Development – Certificate (includes distance learning option)
• Corrections – Certificate (includes distance learning option)
• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice – AAS
• Farm and Ranch Management
• Gunsmithing – AAS
• Human Services – AA
• Machine Tool Technology – Certificate
• Nursing – ADN
• Precision Agriculture – AAS
• Precision Agriculture – Certificate
• Veterinary Aide – Certificate
• Veterinary Technology – AAS
• Welding and Joining – AAS
• Welding and Joining – Certificate
• Welding and Joining Specialist – Certificate

Ellbogen Opportunity Scholarship Requirements

• Students 24 years of age or older
• Students must demonstrate Wyoming residency of at least three years immediately preceding their application.
• Preference will be given to students who have NOT already earned an Associate Degree or higher.
• Students must have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file for the academic year the student is applying for and have unmet financial need.
• Students must enroll in one of the approved programs.

How to apply:

1. Complete EWC Application for Admission
2. Students must complete the FAFSA  each year
3. Complete the EWC Ellbogen Opportunity Scholarship form, indicating your program of interest.

ALL STEPS MUST BE COMPLETE PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASSES OF THE TERM FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING.

Please note: All applications received after October 1, 2023 will be considered for Spring. Information regarding your eligibility will be available after October 1.

Maintaining Eligibility:

• Student must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress toward a degree or certificate (must complete at least 67% of cumulative attempted credits).
• Student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, evaluated at the end of each academic term.

About Ellbogen Opportunity Scholarship:

The John P. Ellbogen Foundation has long supported education initiatives that meet the comprehensive needs of students, and equip them to build a life of personal well-being that leads to responsible, engaged citizens who contribute to Wyoming’s economy, raise healthy and strong families, and participate in civic and service community life. After a year of the pandemic, the foundation is ready to invest in Wyoming Community College partners to help dismantle the economic and social barriers that face adults and returning students who identify postsecondary education as a reconnection pathway to achieve better outcomes in their education and employment. The foundation has provided funding to Eastern Wyoming College to increase the number of new adult and returning adult students in Wyoming who attend a Wyoming Community College, increase the number of adults in Wyoming with a valuable post-secondary credential, and advance the self-sufficiency, well-being and economic and civic contributions of the Wyoming workforce.