The Stroud Scholars program honors the legacy of two of the earliest African-American students to graduate from Colorado College, siblings Kelley Dolphus Stroud '31 and Effie Stroud Frazier '31, who persevered through discrimination yet excelled in education and in their lives.

Stroud Scholars prepares students for selective college environments by working directly with high promise youth to provide academic preparation, mentorship, and guidance navigating admissions and financial aid processes to CC and beyond. Students successfully completing the three-year college preparatory program will earn admission to Colorado College and receive a financial aid package that will enable them to attend.

The program offers a developmental pathway beginning the summer after a student's first year of high school and ending with a successful transition into Colorado College or another intentionally chosen college or university. For three summers, at no cost to the youth or their families, Colorado College will host youth on our campus for three weeks. During this time, participants will focus on cultivating quantitative reasoning and writing skills. Participants will also engage in programming designed to help them prepare practically for the college admissions and financial aid processes. Lastly, the program will support participants holistically to thrive in college by helping them build a strong foundation of hard and soft skills, broaden their aspirations and confidence, and connect them to a supportive community of peers and mentors. Knowledge and skills gained during the summer experience will also be supported and furthered through a series of academic year programs.

Each year, we will accept 25 rising sophomores from the Pikes Peak Region. Each subsequent year, we will continue to support those students accepted into the program as well as accept a new cohort of rising sophomores. In this way, we will continue to expand the program year-by-year.

Want to Nominate a Student?

Do you know a highly talented and intellectually curious student you think would be a good part of the Stroud Program? Click the link below to tell us about them!

Interested in Applying?

Are you a student who is interested in joining the Stroud Program?

Visit our application webpage to learn more about the selection process and timelines. If you have further questions about the program, email us at stroudscholars@coloradocollege.edu.

Summer Experience

Summer 2025 Program Dates

Year 1 Students: July 14 - 25
Year 2 and 3 Students: July 7 - July 25

Summary of Program Offerings

✔ No-cost three-year summer program beginning with rising high school sophomores

✔ Two-three weeks in length

✔ Residing on campus during the week for rising high school seniors, participants have the option of living at home on weekends

✔ Two core college readiness courses: quantitative reasoning and composition

✔ Critical inquiry workshops and enrichment activities in the afternoons

✔ Academic year workshops to prepare youth and their families for admissions and financial aid processes

✔ Yearlong mentorship and guidance from students, staff, and faculty

✔ Youth who successfully complete the program will earn admission to Colorado College with comprehensive financial aid packages

Program Benefits

• Free summer college preparatory program
• Potential to earn admission to CC
• Pathway to earn significant college financial aid and scholarships
• Supports academic, intellectual, social, and practical college preparedness
• Exposure to and familiarity with the college experience
• Participation in enrichment activities to build cultural and social capital
• Connection with mentors: college students, faculty, and staff
• Opportunity to belong to a cohort of highly motivated and engaged peers and a community of learners
• Holistic and ongoing support throughout the academic year, including workshops, mentorship, and advising

Support the Stroud Scholars Program