The MOLAS (Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship) is a multi-year scholarship program offered by the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado. This need-based scholarship is available to low-income, first-generation college students, including non-traditional students, who are residents of La Plata County, Colorado. It supports attendance at two- or four-year public colleges, universities, or vocational schools in Colorado, as well as select institutions in the Four Corners area.

Eligible applicants must be first-generation college students, meaning neither parent has completed a four-year degree. The scholarship covers up to 85% of in-state tuition and room and board, renewable for up to four years, providing critical financial support to 1–2 students annually. Applicants must demonstrate determination to complete their post-secondary education and meet specific income eligibility criteria.

The 2025 application opens on December 2, 2024, and closes on March 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Required materials include FAFSA or CASFA Student Aid Reports, high school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a list of extracurricular or community activities, and a 500–750 word essay. Applicants must select one of two prompts: writing about overcoming challenges or detailing future career plans and community contributions. Hard copies are accepted in person by February 28, 2025, for those unable to submit online.

After submission, eligible candidates will participate in a phone interview in early March, with finalists invited to in-person interviews during the last week of March. Scholarship decisions are announced in early April. Recommendations and referrals from local schools and nonprofits are strongly considered in the selection process.

For assistance, applicants can contact Rachel Rosenthal at 970-375-5807 x3 or via email at rachel@swcommunityfoundation.org. This program aims to empower students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue higher education, fostering personal growth and community impact.