Chances Scholarship Fund – Every Path. Every Student. Every Chance.

INVEST IN

Bright
Futures

The Chances Scholarship Fund supports Platte Canyon graduating seniors pursuing ANY path after high school — college, trade school, or vocational training.

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2018

Chances
Became a Nonprofit

Students
Supported

$99,650

in Scholarships Received

WHAT MAKES CHANCES DIFFERENT

Any Path, Any Dream

Support for college, trade schools, vocational training, and professional development—not just traditional four-year universities.

Beyond Grades & Need

Awards based on student interviews and motivation, not just academic standing or financial hardship.

Deeply Local

Exclusively serving Park County residents in the Platte Canyon area—keeping support in our community.

FOUNDED ON A SECOND CHANCE

The Chances Scholarship was created by a Platte Canyon Chamber board member who, after graduating high school, didn’t have the means to attend post-graduate education to become a dental hygienist.

Someone encouraged her to take a “chance” and apply for a scholarship. She was awarded the scholarship and was able to complete her training. Her life was forever changed!

She wanted to create this same opportunity for other students in the Platte Canyon area. Over the years, the fund grew, became more organized, and officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2018.

WAYS TO GIVE

Donate Today

Every dollar makes a difference in a student’s future. Your direct donation supports college, trade schools, vocational training, and professional development—not just traditional four-year universities

DONATE HERE

Sponsor

Become a Chances sponsor and invest in the next generation of our community. Unlike traditional scholarships that focus solely on grades or financial need, Chances awards are based on student interviews and motivation—recognizing potential in every aspiring student.

Round Up Buck Program
(For Businesses)

Make giving effortless for your customers while strengthening our local community. The Round Up Buck program allows Park County businesses to invite customers to round up their purchase and donate the spare change to Chances scholarships.

Join Program

“Beyond the financial impact, receiving this scholarship encouraged me to believe in my potential and reminded me that my hard work and dedication are seen and supported by others.”

– Jayden Mattson, 2020 Chances Scholarship Recipient

HEAR FROM PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

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“I was honored to be a Chances Scholarship recipient in 2020. I attended the University of Northern Colorado, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, graduating in May 2024. I am now pursuing my Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs while completing my dietetic internship.

As I work toward my second degree, I have developed a deep appreciation for how valuable- and costly- higher education can be. The financial support I received through the Chances Scholarship has been instrumental in allowing me to continue my education without the overwhelming burden of student loans. It provided me with the freedom to focus more on my studies, clinical experiences, and professional development rather than worrying about financial stress.

Beyond the financial impact, receiving this scholarship encouraged me to believe in my potential and reminded me that my hard work and dedication are seen and supported by others. It motivated me to give back and continue striving toward my goal of becoming a registered dietitian who makes a positive difference in people’s health and lives. I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Chances Scholarship and the lasting impact it has had on my academic and professional journey.”
Jadyn Mattson2020 Chances Scholarship Recipient

“The Chances Scholarship did not pay for my entire college education, but it did the most important part. It helped me fund my first year of college. Really meaning: it gave me the push that I needed to try college, to try to go for my dreams. After I started Engineering at CSU, I knew I would do everything I could to finish and finish in four years. The Chances Scholarship did not pay for my entire college education, but it highlighted how helpful every penny is. It helped inspire me to keep collecting those pennies from working full time every summer, to working part time during the school semesters, to buying used school books, to living off campus, to applying for more opportunities like the Chances Scholarship. The Chances Scholarship did not pay for my entire college education, but it did the most important part. It taught me that there are people (and even a wonderful community) out there willing to help me take a chance on myself, so I should do the same. I am so glad it helped me take that chance on myself. I am now a very happy and successful engineer in the industry. Thank you Chances Scholarship.”
Jessica2014 Chances Scholarship Recipient

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“I graduated high school in December 2021, and I’m currently studying Interior Architecture and
Design at Colorado State University. The support I received from Chances made it possible for
me to even consider college. Their scholarship helped cover my living expenses when my family
was unable to. Their help made my education achievable.”
Leigha Richards-Orcutt2021 Chances Scholarship Recipient

Platte Canyon Chances Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization with an IRS ruling year of 2018, and donations are tax-deductible.