Return to school and earn your degree

FWYS image from State of Colorado website

Are you a Colorado resident who wants to return to Fort Lewis College and “Finish What You Started?” 

You may be eligible for $1,500 per semester in financial assistance and additional support as an FLC Circle Back Scholar through the State of Colorado's FWYS program.

How the FWYS program works

Eligibility criteria

You must meet ALL the following qualifications:

  • I am a Colorado resident
  • I have not been enrolled at ANY higher education institution for two (2) consecutive semesters.
  • I am enrolled/plan to enroll full-time or part-time at Fort Lewis College in any semester before the Spring 2025 semester as an undergraduate, degree-seeking student.
  • I am pursuing my FIRST higher education certificate or degree. Previous degree holders are ineligible.
  • I have completed a FAFSA for the upcoming academic year.
  • I have “Some College, No Degree” – defined as students who have earned some postsecondary credits from a public/private higher education institution but did not complete a credential or degree before deciding not to enroll for two or more consecutive semesters.
  • I have experienced an economic loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID Impact Attestation

Circle Back will use your FAFSA/CASFA information to verify your eligibility for the FWYS scholarship. You must submit a COVID Impact Attestation form if we cannot verify your eligibility from your FAFSA/CASFA information. See your Circle Back advisor for more information on this.

Use of financial assistance

You will receive $1,500 for two (2) consecutive semesters if you fulfill the participant responsibilities. These funds can be used for institutional expenses (tuition, fees, or other institutional charges) or emergency/personal non-institutional expenses.

FWYS Circle Back Scholars Participation Agreement

If selected as an FWYS Circle Back Scholar, I understand that I must complete the following each semester:

  • Meet with a Circle Back Advisor for Success Coaching at least six (6) times per semester.
  • Use academic support services via the Academic Hub, as your Circle Back Advisor requires.
  • Apply for the FAFSA and apply for at least one public or private scholarship per year.
  • Participate in financial counseling and education, including financial well-being discussions with your Circle Back Advisor.
  • Engage with the Career and Life Design Center each semester in at least one of the following ways: career advising, resume/cover letter development, interview practice, career fairs, or career readiness workshops.
  • Earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA or better each semester you are enrolled in at FLC.

Contact Circle Back to apply for the FWYS program

Larenz Esplain, Circle Back Coordinator

Location: Reed Library, Room 143
Phone: 970-247-6271
Email: ldesplain@fortlewis.edu

Last name A-I, make an appointment with Larenz

Jeralyn Bienvenu, Circle Back Specialist 

Location: Reed Library, Room 144
Phone:
970-247-6216
Email: jbienvenu@fortlewis.edu 

Last name J-Z, make an appointment with Jeralyn