First Class Scholars are determined to make the world better for those around them.

The12 students honored each year will be the first generation in their family to earn a college degree. We want to help make sure they reach their goals -- and let them know that they have the support of our community along the way.

The Fort Collins Coloradoan, in partnership with University of Northern Colorado, decided to leverage its charitable dollars and the donations of the community to make post-secondary education possible for all students in Northern Colorado.

We launched a scholarship program, First Class, to honor and support first generation college students in our area. But we need your help.

Together we can make a difference for their futures.

The 2017 First Class Scholars have been selected: http://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2017/07/13/first-class-scholars-how-you-can-help/364120001/

Read about last year's First Class Scholars here: http://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2016/09/23/first-class-honoring-first-generation-college-students/90869184/.