The Path Forward Program
Each winter, eligible first-year undergraduate students are invited to join the Path Forward Program, an invitation-only program for students entering their second year the subsequent fall. The Path Forward Program helps students create an individualized plan to succeed at DU by ensuring that eligible students have the tools and support needed to thrive as they move into their second year and beyond.
Eligible students will receive an invitation to join the program and a link to register via email in January. Registered students will receive reminders through Canvas about upcoming opportunities and deadlines related to the program steps.
Program Benefits
All students who successfully complete the Path Forward Program will be eligible for:
Priority housing for their second year. In order to be eligible for priority housing, students must meet with their advisor regarding spring registration, register for 12+ credits in the spring quarter, meet with a Student Success Coach at least one time, and complete their FAFSA and CSS profiles by March 20. Only the first 150 students to complete the listed criteria will be eligible.
A Path Forward Scholarship, which can be used for an approved Path Forward summer course at DU in the summer quarter after their first year. Path Forward students will also receive reduced tuition for other summer courses at DU taken during the summer quarter after their first year.
A need-based Path Forward Grant of up to $2,500 to be awarded for the following academic year (i.e. 2nd year). Eligibility for the Path Forward Grant will be based on financial need as determined by FAFSA and CSS profiles.
Program Steps
To complete the Path Forward Program and be eligible for the Path Forward Scholarship or Grant, students in the program commit to completing the following steps:
Students must meet with their academic advisor in winter and spring quarters before registration for the following quarter.
Register for 12+ credits for spring and fall quarters during registration week. Registration dates can be found on the Registration and Billing Calendar.
Fill out required financial aid application forms (FAFSA and CSS Profile) by March 15.
Meet with a student success coach at least once in the winter quarter to enhance skills and tools for success at DU and learn more about resources available to DU students. Following the initial meeting with a student success coach, either schedule a follow-up meeting in the spring quarter or meet the spring quarter meeting requirement by:
- Meeting with a Career Advisor
- If undeclared, meeting with an advisor in a potential major
- Attending a relevant 4D Experience event
