Mini-grants for in-state high schools to increase college-going culture and awareness are being offered through the Wyoming College Access Challenge Grant (CACG).
CACG awards, ranging from $500 to $8,000 per high school, are based on the proposal presented by Wyoming high school representatives. A total of $320,000 is available, says Becky Vinzant, assistant to the University of Wyoming's vice president for Student Affairs and the program's director. This is among 11 initiatives CACG is funding in the state.
"Because the CACG is an annual grant, renewable funding cannot be promised. But, if the program should prove successful, every effort will be made to find additional funding for future years," Vinzant says. "The goal is to increase the college-going culture in Wyoming schools and to increase the college-going rate by 3 percent annually."
CACG grants target first-generation, low-income and ethnic minority students, but all students are eligible to participate in activities, Vinzant adds. One application can be used for multiple projects and only one application can be submitted per school. All funds must be used by July 15.
High school officials can use the grant funds for college access activities, including college visits, financial aid presentations, scholarship searches, career exploration relating to college access, ACT test preparation and completion of college applications.
"The grant is designed to allow high schools to use the funds to meet the specific needs of their students and promote involvement from families, businesses and other foundations to help ensure success," Vinzant says.
High school officials interested in applying must submit all required materials and will be awarded through Feb. 28. Notification will take place within one week of receipt of application, Vinzant says. All Wyoming public and private high schools are eligible to apply, provided the school is approved or accredited and recognized by the state.
For more information about the Wyoming CACG Program or to apply for a grant, contact Vinzant at (307) 766-6440 or email rvinzant@uwyo.edu.
