Gavan Bethurum, an Opportunity Next scholarship recipient, is pursuing electrical engineering at Colorado State University. Gavan's passion for engineering ignited in high school through early exposure to STEM programs, fueling his interest in technology and problem-solving. He credits the Opportunity Next scholarship with easing the financial burden of college by helping him avoid additional private loans.

Financial Aid Transforms Ambitions

Gavan is enrolled at Colorado State University (CSU), where he is studying calculus, programming, and direct current circuit analysis. Gavan hopes to bring innovation to the world with his sights set on clean energy and nuclear fusion. As a first-year student, Gavan is fully embracing the college experience. He attends office hours and meets with professors for 1:1 guidance, which has helped him stay on top of his coursework. Amidst a student body of over 30,000, Gavan has found a sense of community, connecting with peers who share his passion and drive.

Gavan’s college journey is a familiar one for many students. Balancing two part-time jobs, he works 20-30 hours per week to support tuition and living expenses. The Opportunity Next scholarship has brought some financial relief, allowing Gavan to cut back his hours at one job and devote more time to his studies and the demands of college life.

“I looked at the financial aid portal on the CSU website and saw the Opportunity Next scholarship. Dopamine just started rushing into my brain because it means I can work less, and not having to work a second job is going to be very helpful while I focus on my studies,” Gavan noted.

Opportunity Next scholarships help remove financial barriers, ensuring that aspiring engineers like Gavan can focus more on their studies and prepare to enter Colorado's expanding engineering and technology sector.

Foundations of Engineering

Gavan’s interest in engineering stemmed from early exposure to STEM in high school. He recalls extracurricular programs like the Science Olympiad, exploring his school’s robotics club, taking engaging Physics classes, and learning the basics of coding.

“I think freshman or sophomore year of high school I bought an Arduino kit and started giving it a higher voltage. It was fun and I got into the habit of fiddling with circuits, an 8-bit computer, and a gaming controller,” Gavan shares.

A pivotal moment in Gavan’s high school journey was meeting a retired computer scientist who volunteered in his class. This volunteer demystified complex topics and connected them to real-world scenarios. “The amount of stuff he knew was mind-boggling,” Gavan recalls. “He didn’t just give us formulas or say, ‘this is how it is.’ He went in-depth and explained things in a way that really showed his expertise.”

Stay tuned! Opportunity Next will soon release a comprehensive tool to help learners navigate key conversations, and gain valuable insights from stakeholders in their field.

Maximizing Resources and Success

Gavan’s high school counselor also played a crucial role in his journey, helping him navigate the college application process. 

"I was constantly talking to my counselor, asking, 'How can I make college as affordable as possible?'” he shared. "He connected me with a lot of resources, and it opened my eyes to how many scholarships are out there that no one applies for. It’s like money just disappears—dust in the wind.” 

Pre-approved Colorado-based education and training providers automatically grant Opportunity Next scholarships to eligible students, simplifying the process for the Class of 2024. Gavan encourages other students to proactively explore avenues for reducing college expenses through programs like TREP, which allows high school students in educator pathways to earn college credits at no cost, and ASCENT, which provides a fifth year of high school for students wanting to earn college credits without paying tuition.

“That’s definitely something high school students should look into early. You have a lot of time to apply for scholarships, but starting early is key,” Gavan advises.

With the support of Opportunity Next and trusted mentors, students like Gavan are positioned to transform their passions into sustainable in-demand careers in Colorado.

If you enjoy solving complex problems, designing innovative solutions, or improving existing technologies, consider a career in engineering or technology. Learners looking for extra support can access free Opportunity Next Coaching, available to the Colorado Class of 2024, to further enrich their academic and career journey.