Postsecondary Programs
Preparing and Supporting Postsecondary Pathways
Our Postsecondary Department provides comprehensive support to guide students toward postsecondary educational opportunities in every stage of their educational journey. We are committed to empowering Dreamer Scholars with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to achieve their postsecondary goals, from exposure to college campuses and programs to STEM programming provided by college students to career exploration curricula to robust efforts in the areas of applications and financial aid.
We do this, in part, because more than two-thirds of IHDF Scholars (on average) represent the first generation of their families to attend college.
The need for comprehensive support programs available to youth in underserved communities has never been more urgent. In recent years, only 11 percent of first-generation students impacted by income inequality—compared to 55 percent of continuing-generation students—had earned a bachelor's degree within six years of enrolling (nationwide), and over 30% of students choose to leave college before graduating.
In Colorado, these challenges are particularly acute: just 13% of Colorado community college students transfer and finish with a bachelor's degree six years after starting college, and the rate is even lower for older students, students of color, and those from lower-income backgrounds.
Research demonstrates that, due to a myriad of complex social factors, first-generation students are 16% less likely overall to graduate than are non-first-generation students with equal parental income. Income alone doesn't explain the barriers these students face. These stark disparities call for targeted strategies that begin early and provide sustained support throughout the educational journey.
First-Generation Issues & Resources
First-Gen in Colorado: In 2021, about 37% of students enrolled in Colorado's public higher education institutions were first-generation students, reflecting a significant portion of the state's college-going population [more].
Credential Gap: Six years after starting college, 48% of first-generation students had obtained a postsecondary credential, compared to 70% of continuing-generation students—a 22 percentage point gap nationally [more].
Bachelor’s Degree Obstacles: Only 24% of first-generation students earned a bachelor’s degree within six years, versus 59% of continuing-generation students, highlighting a 35 percentage point difference [more]. Hurl
Affordability Hurdles: Nationally, 54% of first-generation students reported leaving college without a credential because they could not afford to continue, compared to 45% of continuing-generation students [more].
Elementary & Middle School: Early Connections
College and other postsecondary options are in view for "I Have A Dream" Scholars from elementary school onward. Students have fun, positive, age-appropriate experiences through campus visits from their early years.
- Elementary: Summer activities hosted on college campuses
- Middle School (6–8): Summer campus visits
High School: Intentional Preparation
IHDF Scholars prepare throughout high school for college and career success.
- Site Support (9–12th grades): Dedicated postsecondary staff are present at IHDF schools to offer personalized guidance.
- College Visits: One college visit per semester (Fall & Spring)
- Admissions & Financial Aid Sessions: Workshops and one-on-one help for students and families.
- Alumni Panels: Coming soon—hear directly from Dreamer alumni about their college journeys.
- GED Support: For high school students needing an alternative graduation pathway.
High School to College Transition Support
Workshops and coaching to prevent Summer Melt & Winter Melt
What are "Summer Melt" and "Winter Melt"?
Summer melt refers to the phenomenon where high school graduates—particularly those from low-income, first-generation, or underrepresented backgrounds—who have been accepted to college and intend to enroll, ultimately fail to show up in the fall. Without continued guidance after graduation, many face logistical, financial, or emotional barriers that derail their plans. Winter melt refers to a similar drop-off during the winter break of a student’s first year, often due to stress, finances, or homesickness. Our workshops aim to address these gaps with proactive support.
Nationally, 58% of first-generation college students enroll in postsecondary institutions within three months of high school completion, compared to 79% of continuing-generation students [more].
When students opt to take a gap year between high school and postsecondary programs, our team stays in touch with check-ins and offers career exploration opportunities.
College: Personal & Financial Support
IHDF Scholarship Program: Financial support to help Dreamers afford higher education
Funding is critical to the success of postsecondary students, so we place a high priority on assisting students with funding in many ways.
Mitigating disproportionate student debt burdens. Two-thirds of first-generation college graduates (2021) incurred debt for their own education compared to 56% of those with a college-educated parent. About two-thirds (65%) of first-generation college graduates owe at least $25,000 or more, compared with 57% of second-generation college graduates. IHDF works to reduce that imbalance.
We not only provide scholarships to our Dreamer Scholars, we also act as agents of state matching scholarship funds (COSI) and for a number of grants and scholarships. We also offer...
- Scholarship application guidance
- Award letter and review process
- Disbursement coordination
Undergraduate Connection: Helping undergraduate students persist through college and beyond
- Semester Check-Ins: Online and phone check-ins with undergrads and gap-year students
- Student Success Seminars: National programming offered in partnership with OppNet
Scholarship total: funds provided by and administered through IHDF for the 2023-24 AY. Number of IHDF connected students attending all postsecondary programs. Number of unique institutions.
Where do IHDF Scholars study?
Hover over the name of a school or institute to find out how many IHDF Scholars attended this past year.
Use the pull-down menu to zoom in on 4-Year, Community College or Professional/Specialized categories.
Advancing Families Programs: 2 Generation Engagement
Advancing Families is a program for parents/representatives/siblings of Dreamer Scholars, as well as Dreamer Scholars with the "I Have a Dream" Foundation of Boulder County.
The program assists those who want to obtain their GED/HSED, Post-secondary degree, or attend English classes.
Participants in the program can earn a financial scholarship and collaborate with IHDF staff to navigate their educational and/or career goals.
