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New local scholarship helps ‘Fast Forward’ career-focused students

Staff Report

This fall, eight graduates from Glenwood Springs High School, Roaring Fork High, and Bridges High will enroll in vocational and two-year college training programs with help of a combined $62,000 in scholarships from the new Fast Forward scholarship program.

The scholarships range from $3,000 to $5,000 per year and are renewable for up to two years of study. The program is administered in partnership with Western Colorado Community Foundation and its local affiliate, the Two Rivers Community Foundation.

“I really wanted to help those students that have strong career interests and are motivated to learn the necessary skills at a vocational or career training program so they can ‘fast forward’ their career paths,” said Paul Bushong, the programs’ primary financial backer. “The Fast Forward Scholarship program benefits our local communities by providing the opportunity for local students to get the vocational and career training they need to come back to their local community and be productive citizens in our workforce.”



In talking to local community leaders and business owners, Bushong observed an unmet need for a labor force that has the technical skills necessary to provide our community with mechanics, welders, heath care workers, carpenters and the like. Bushong set up the Fast Forward Scholarship program this year and plans to donate $60,000 annually. The Fast Forward Selection Committee hope additional donations will make it possible to double that figure, so more deserving students can pursue their dream careers. They would also like to expand to other area schools, such as Yampah Mountain High School, as well as to returning veterans and students who may have taken time off after high school.

“So many of the students we interviewed desperately need this scholarship to be able to afford post-high school education,” said committee member Ray Limoges.



Tax deductible donations can be made out to WCCF/Fast Forward Scholarship and mailed to Two Rivers Community Foundation c/o Fast Forward Scholarship, P.O. Box 1539, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.

For more information, call 970-279-3410 or email info2rcf@gmail.com.


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