Graduates from three Denver high schools will get a free college education at an in-state colleges under a new scholarship program announced today by Denver Public Schools and city leaders, and supported by billionaire Tim Marquez and his wife.
The Denver Scholarship Foundation could help send around 750 high school seniors from Montbello, South and Abraham Lincoln high schools, in this first year. But by next spring, officials hope to expand it to Denver students from all high schools, no matter their family income or background.
The scholarship can be applied to one of 33 in-state colleges or universities, including the private University of Denver and Regis University.
The surprise announcement was made to about 700 seniors from the three schools at a noon press briefing today. When the students heard the news, they gave billionaire Tim Marquez, and his wife Bernadette, a standing ovation.
Montbello head boy Anthony Porch said he wanted to go to the University of Denver to play basketball and major in real estate.
“Basketball will only take me so far,” he said. I don’t think I’d have this opportunity without it.”
