Governor John Hickenlooper has proclaimed October as College Application Month and announced that all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado­, and several private institutions, will allow students to apply for free on Tuesday, October 30 as part of the inaugural Colorado Free Application Day.

“We are excited to participate in Free Application Day and increase access for any student to pursue a degree at Fort Lewis College, Colorado’s crossroads of education and adventure,” says Jess Savage, director of Admission.

Students interested in applying to FLC for free can submit the online application using the fee waiver code COLORISES. A student with a financial hardship may request an application fee waiver code any time through the FLC website or by contacting the Admission Office.

“The Colorado Free Application Day puts students in the best position to be considered for our Early Action deadline of November 15,” says Savage. “Applying on October 30 also gives them ample time to apply for additional scholarships and stay on track for financial aid and housing deadlines.”

College Application Month is a six-week, statewide campaign that encourages high school seniors to successfully apply to a higher education program and file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Despite being one of the most educated states in the country, only 56 percent of Colorado high school seniors go on to a college, university, or certificate program. Only 50 percent of students submit a FAFSA application—a key indicator of student success.

Research from the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce shows that by 2020, 75 percent of jobs in Colorado will require some education beyond high school. In response to these workforce demands, the Colorado Department of Higher Education set a goal of reaching 66 percent attainment by 2025 in their statewide plan for higher education, Colorado Rises. Increasing postsecondary enrollment and reducing equity gaps—the racial disparities in educational attainment—are priority strategies to improve access and reduce costs for Coloradans.

To apply to FLC visit www.fortlewis.edu/apply. For more information on College Application Month visit www.CICCollegeAppMonth.org.