…Those who have endured some misfortune will always be set apart, but that it is just that misfortune which is their gift and which is their strength…

-Cormac McCarthy​

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Awarded by the Martin Family
 

The Paving a Pathway Scholarship is designed to assist students who have had encounters with the law, including being referred to the LPYS Diversion Program or Juvenile Court, and who seek to change their lives through education. The scholarship is based on meeting specific criteria, and applicants may be asked to participate in a personal interview by the Scholarship Committee, which includes a DEF representative, the DEF Executive Director, and/or a Scholarship Donor representative.
 

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 total over the course of up to 4 years to a student’s choice school including vocational/technical, community college, or university

Selection: Recipients will be selected by the DEF Scholarship Committee, in conjunction with the Martin Family, LPYS representative, and DPD School Resource Officer.
 

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
To qualify, the student must:

• Plan to attend an institution of higher learning, such as a community college, vocational/technical school, or college/university

• Be on track to graduate and in their senior year at Durango High School or Big Picture High School

• Be a resident of La Plata County

• Have had an encounter with law enforcement, been referred to the LPYS Diversion Program, or attended Durango Juvenile Court

• If over 17 years of age, have not been charged with a Felony Act Against Persons
   

INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

1. A COMPLETE APPLICATION

2. Academic Transcript: No minimum GPA

   • ​A complete senior transcript showing sustained GPA may be required before the award is remitted to the student’s choice of college.

3. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

   • Letters may be from any of the following: LPYS Youth Advocate, School Counselor, School Resource DPD Officer, teacher, clergy, coaches, etc.

4. Statement of Financial Need

   • Please share anything about your family financial situation and/or your financial situation that will help us understand your need for college scholarship assistance. (approximately 250 words)

5. #1 College and Career Essay:

   • What are your education and career goals? What makes you passionate about this future path? What have you done so far to pursue these future goals? What will you be doing 1 and 5 years after college graduation? (600 words maximum)

6. #2 Obstacles Essay:

   • What challenge, big or small, are you proud to have persevered through, and what challenges, as you enter college, do you still have ahead of you? (300 words maximum)

7. #6 Martin Family "Paving a Pathway" Personal Statement:

   •  Reflect on this particular challenge you have faced. How did this experience impact your personal growth? In what ways have you changed as a result, and how have you used these changes to positively influence others around you?  (600 words maximum)  
      

MARTIN SCHOLAR REQUIREMENTS

• The scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years on an annual basis.

• To renew:

  • By June 30 of the following year, the student must submit grades for all previous terms (semesters or quarters) showing a GPA of 2.5 or better in each term, along with Verbal or written update explaining obstacles endured and how they plan to address them.