Daniels Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Daniels Fund

Description
**Overview:** The Daniels Scholarship Program is a comprehensive, merit- and values-based college award for high-achieving students from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. It provides financial support and personal guidance to help scholars attend accredited nonprofit colleges and universities anywhere in the United States. Recipients are selected for academic promise, leadership, strong character, and a commitment to service; the program also fosters ongoing networks and mentoring that extend beyond graduation. The scholarship aims to minimize or eliminate student debt while launching scholars into careers and civic leadership.

Key takeaways:
- Available to high-achieving, values-driven students from CO, NM, UT, and WY.
- Funds and personal support help scholars attend any accredited nonprofit U.S. college.
- Emphasizes leadership, character, and community service.
- Seeks to reduce or eliminate undergraduate student debt.

Award Value
**What the scholarship pays for:** Daniels Scholars may receive up to the full cost of attendance, using one of three funding options intended to minimize or eliminate student debt. The award can be applied to standard qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous educational costs. Scholars are free to choose any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States, and the program coordinates funding to cover gaps between other aid and the school’s cost of attendance.

Key takeaways:
- Award can cover up to full cost of attendance.
- Three funding options available to limit student debt.
- Eligible expenses: tuition/fees, room/board, books/supplies, and other educational costs.
- Scholars may attend any accredited nonprofit U.S. institution.

Eligibility Requirements
**Basic eligibility criteria:** Applicants must be graduating high‑school seniors who are residents of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming and U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Academic and testing thresholds include an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher and either ACT section scores of 18+ in each category or SAT Math 490+ and Reading & Writing 490+. Financial need is assessed by Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on the federal tax return on which the applicant is claimed as a dependent; the program generally requires AGI of $100,000 or less, with allowances for additional dependents.

Key takeaways:
- Must be a graduating senior and resident of CO, NM, UT, or WY.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident required.
- Minimum unweighted GPA: 3.0.
- Testing: ACT 18+ in each section OR SAT Math 490+ and R&W 490+.
- Financial need: AGI ≤ $100,000 on dependent’s tax return (adjustments allowed for extra dependents).

Selection Criteria
**Values and qualities looked for:** Beyond baseline eligibility, scholars are chosen for their strength of character, leadership potential, commitment to community service, emotional maturity, academic promise, and well‑rounded personalities. The selection reflects the values of Bill Daniels—ethics, integrity, respect, reliability, entrepreneurship, patriotism, and dedication to community—so demonstrated behavior and personal statements that align with these principles are important. The program evaluates both accomplishments and the applicant’s potential to grow into a leader who contributes positively to society.

Key takeaways:
- Selection prioritizes character, leadership, and community service.
- Emotional maturity and a well‑rounded personality are evaluated.
- Alignment with Bill Daniels’ values (ethics, integrity, service) is important.
- Review considers both achievements and future leadership potential.

Application Process & Timeline
**How and when to apply:** The Daniels Scholarship follows an annual application cycle that typically spans the academic year; prospective applicants should consult the official Daniels Scholarship website for exact dates and requirements. The process generally includes an online application, submission of academic records and test scores, a financial review, and staged interviews or assessments for semifinalists and finalists. Because dates and procedural details can change, early preparation—gathering transcripts, tax documents, and activity records—is recommended.

Key takeaways:
- Annual application cycle; check the official site for exact dates.
- Typical steps: online application, documentation submission, financial review, interviews.
- Prepare transcripts, tax returns, test scores, and activity/service records in advance.
- Expect multiple review stages (semifinalist/finalist rounds).

History of the Award
**Origins and founder:** The scholarship reflects the philanthropic vision of Bill Daniels, a cable-television pioneer known for his commitment to ethics, patriotism, and helping others. Daniels served in two wars, supported free enterprise as a means of opportunity, and established the program to empower young people who share his values to pursue higher education and civic engagement. The program honors his legacy by selecting students who exemplify the character traits and public-mindedness he championed.

Key takeaways:
- Founded in honor of Bill Daniels and his values.
- Daniels was a business leader, veteran, and philanthropist committed to ethics and service.
- The scholarship advances his goals of opportunity, leadership, and civic responsibility.
- Selection and programming aim to perpetuate Daniels’ legacy of character and community engagement.