What the program includes:
Comprehensive Program Components
Awarding scholarships for tuition is only the beginning of what Greenhouse Scholars has to
offer. Our six program components work together to give our Scholars every tool they will need
to achieve their goals in college and beyond. Ultimately, we are ensuring that students who
thrived in high school will have the resources to do so at the collegiate level—and more
importantly, after their four years in our program are over.
Mentorship: Our mentors are community leaders who guide, encourage, and inspire
Scholars to achieve more than they could on their own. Scholars are matched with their
mentor before beginning college and maintain the relationship throughout college and
beyond.
Professional Networking: Scholars have access to successful role models and
leaders from a variety of industries. These connections give Scholars the exceptional
opportunity to explore career paths, conduct informational interviews, and gain insights
into the professional world.
Peer Support: Scholars are placed in structured peer advisory groups within the
program. This provides them another avenue of support from fellow Scholars who better
understand each other’s unique challenges.
Internship: Internships provide real-world knowledge and increased confidence that
cannot be gained in the classroom. We coach Scholars in finding and making the most
of their internships.
Summer Symposium: The annual Greenhouse Scholars Summer Symposium is a
world-class, multi-day gathering of all our Scholars. Workshops, speakers, panel
discussions, and group projects allow Scholars to explore our core values and learn
leadership skills.
Situational Flex Funding: Scholars can apply for additional funds to support a wide
range of projects, experiences, or specific unmet needs related to the vision and values
of Greenhouse Scholars. Grants are made in amounts up to $1,500.
Tuition Scholarship: We provide a four-year renewable grant based on each
Scholar’s individual financial circumstances and college expenses. Scholarships of up to
$5,000 per year are renewable for four years.
As a results-based organization, we emphasize accountability to our financial contributors, our
volunteers, our Scholars, and the community at large. For our Scholars, this means that the
financial grant and participation in our program is renewable each year based upon meeting our
program requirements. These requirements are listed in the contract located on the next page of
the application. Being a Greenhouse Scholar requires time, energy, and initiative—by applying,
you are indicating that you are ready and willing to make the commitment to meet our program
requirements and be a leader among your peers and in your community.
To be eligible for our program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
Be a legal resident of Colorado or Illinois
Be a high-school senior in Colorado or Illinois
Have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above
Demonstrate a strong interest and commitment to the community
Demonstrate an ability to persevere through difficult circumstances
Possess excellent leadership skills
Demonstrate financial need [annual household income no greater than $70,000]
Greenhouse Scholars Anti-Discrimination Statement:
Greenhouse Scholars strives to make Scholar, volunteer, and staff decisions without regard to
race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, military status, sexual
orientation, transgender or disability status. Perceived violations of this guideline should be
reported immediately.
Greenhouse Scholars Contract
By submitting my application, I certify that all the answers I have given on this application are
complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge, that I meet all of the eligibility requirements
for Greenhouse Scholars, and that the essays represent my own work. I understand that
falsification or omission of information or credentials may result in revocation of the award.
Additionally, I authorize Greenhouse Scholars to use information submitted on this application
and during finalist interviews (including taking photographs, testimonials, and stories) for resultstracking, statistical purposes, and public communications.
If selected as a Greenhouse Scholar, I will agree to uphold the following:
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Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 per semester for all four years of undergraduate study.
Regularly meet with my mentor; 2 hours per month.
Meet with 2 Professional Networking Contacts each year.
Participate in the peer support program; meeting four times per year.
Complete an internship of 200+ hours before the start of my senior year of college.
Attend the Greenhouse Scholars Summer Symposium in August of every year.
Complete surveys twice a year.
Complete at least 40 hours of community service annually.
Exhibit strong character, leadership, a values based approach to decision-making, and a
commitment to excellence.
How to Apply:
1. Review this complete application document, including Greenhouse Scholars Program
Components, eligibility requirements and Greenhouse Scholars Contract.
2. Arrange to submit three letters of recommendation and one transcript with ACT scores.
3. Complete written portions of application (pgs 8-10 of this document), including activities
survey, 5 short answer responses, and 1 essay response.
4. Gather all information necessary to complete the online form at
greenhousescholars.org/application.html.
5. Arrange to spend one hour completing the online form at
greenhousescholars.org/application.html. You will not be able to save and return to the
form at a later time. You must submit the written portions of your application at the same
time you complete the online form – it cannot be done later.
6. Ensure your recommenders complete and send their letters of recommendation so that
they are received in our office by midnight on January 20th.
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Your complete application must be submitted online by midnight on January 20th.
Early submissions are highly encouraged.
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We will confirm receipt of your complete application within 2 - 3 weeks of submission.
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Questions? Please email us at scholars@greenhousescholars.org
Key Dates:
January 20 (by midnight)
 Deadline for applications to be received via email or mail. Early submissions are
highly encouraged.
February 21
 Semi-finalists notified by email.
February 29
 Deadline for semi-finalists to submit FAFSA Student Aid Report, list of colleges
applied to and acceptance status, semifinalist survey, and an optional written
statement of extenuating circumstances.
March 14
 Finalists notified by email.
March 21
 Deadline for finalists to submit survey and interview scheduling preference and head
shot photo.
Weeks of April 2 and April 9
 Finalists interviewed.
Week of April 23
 Scholars announced by mail and phone.
The following sections of the Greenhouse Scholars application will be completed online
at greenhousescholars.org/application.html.
SECTION 1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Section 1.1 Applicant Information
Section 1.2 Parent/Guardian Information
Section 1.3 High School Information
SECTION 2. EXPERIENCE
Section 2.1 Awards and Honors
Section 2.2 Employment
Section 2.3 Other Organizations
APPLICANT NAME:
SECTION 2. EXPERIENCE (CONT.)
2.4
Activities
What do you do when you’re not in class? Tell us about your activities (clubs, unpaid
internships, volunteering, hobbies etc.) in order of most importance to you. You may also attach
a resume or additional page if necessary.
Name of activity and description of position held
and accomplishments
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2.
3.
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6.
7.
8.
Category (sports,
community service,
academic club,
arts/music, student
government, other)
Dates involved
(m/d/y – m/d/y)
Approximate
hours/week
Approximate
weeks/year
SECTION 3. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Please answer the FIVE following short answer questions—3.1 through 3.5—with a short
paragraph. All answers must be typed and should be approximately 100-200 words.
3.1
Tell one short story about yourself that would best provide us with insight into
the kind of person you are. For example, the story can simply relate a personal
experience, or a humorous anecdote; it can be about an especially significant
academic encounter, your family history or culture, or about an unusual test of
character. The possibilities are unlimited. You choose.
3.2
How will becoming a Greenhouse Scholar make a difference in your life? What
will you do to best leverage this opportunity?
3.3
Choose one of the communities to which you belong, describe that community
and your place within it, and how you have impacted that community. Note,
community can be defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion,
ethnicity, income, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage.
3.4
Describe your greatest strength as a leader. Why do you believe this trait/skill is
important to leadership?
3.5
Please read the following quote below and explain what it has meant in your life.
“It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the
consequences of dodging our responsibilities.” – Sir Josiah Stamp
SECTION 4. ESSAY QUESTION
Please answer the following essay question. Essay answers must be typed and should be
approximately 500-800 words.
4.1
Describe either a setback you have faced or a significant achievement in your
life. How did this experience test you? How did this experience impact you? What
did you learn?
SECTION 5. OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
5.1
Letters of Recommendation
Please provide three letters of recommendation. We would like views on your academic and
non-academic accomplishments, personal character, evidence of leadership, and strength of
community involvement.
Each letter should include the following information:
- Recommender’s Name
- Your name
- Title and Relationship to you
- Address
- Telephone Number
- Email Address
- Recommender’s Signature and Date
One letter must be from a core academic teacher or guidance counselor.
The second letter can be from a teacher, guidance counselor, or from an adult who is not
affiliated with academic activities such as: an employer, coach, scoutmaster, community service
coordinator, or religious mentor. Letters from family members, peers, or friends will not be
accepted in this category.
The third letter must be from a friend or peer who is not related to you. Please ask your peer
recommender to respond to the following:
- Describe how you know and your relationship with the applicant.
- How does this person compare to other people you know? What’s unique or special
about this individual?
- Describe a specific impact this person has made on you, your school, or the community.
- In 10 years from now, what will you remember most about this person?
Your recommenders may email their letter to scholars@greenhousescholars.org. Or they may
mail their letter to
Greenhouse Scholars
New Scholar Selection
1881 9th St, Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80302
SECTION 5. OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (CONT.)
5.2
Transcript
Please send one transcript that includes your most recent fall semester grades as well as
unweighted and weighted GPA, and class rank (if available). If not included on your transcript,
please also send a copy of your ACT scores, and SAT scores if applicable.
There are three ways you can submit these documents.
1. Scan your transcript and ACT scores and upload to the Greenhouse Scholars
website when you submit your application.
2. Email your transcript to scholars@greenhousescholars.org
3. Mail to
Greenhouse Scholars
New Scholar Selection
1881 9th St, Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80302