Making HMI accessible to local students.
Each year, we offer up to four full merit-based scholarships for Lake County High School students to attend the High School Semester, Summer Term, and Gap Semester. Typically, one scholarship is awarded to a Summer Term and Gap participant and two are awarded to High School Semester participants (one in fall and one in spring).
LCHS students participating in HMI programming have the chance to meet students from around the country, challenge themselves in a new academic environment, and experience the backcountry of Colorado and Utah on extended wilderness expeditions.
HMI also partners with Full Circle each summer to offer the Lake County Backpacking Trip, a free program open to Lake & Chaffee County students who have finished 7th or 8th grade.
For more information about HMI opportunities available to local students, contact HMI Admissions: admissions@hminet.org or (719) 486-8200 x1.
LCHS Merit Scholarship FAQ
LCHS students interested in the HMI Semester or HMI Summer Term apply by February 15th of a student’s sophomore or junior year. LCHS students interested in the HMI Gap Traverse Semester apply by February 15th of their senior year.
Merit scholarships will be awarded to the top applicants from LCHS each year. We evaluate an applicant’s transcript, teacher recommendations, and personal essays as well as their involvement in extracurriculars.
Sophomores and juniors should complete their High School Semester or Summer Term application in the portal. A complete application includes a transcript from LCHS, two teacher recommendations (at least one coming from an academic teacher who taught the student this year or last), and an online application that includes 2 short-answer essays.
Seniors applying to HMI Gap should submit an application though the application portal. In addition to the regular HMI Gap application, LCHS applicants will need two letters of recommendation and their transcript from LCHS. Letters of recommendation should follow a similar format as with a college application and should be 400-500 words.
No. There is no application fee.
No. LCHS students will automatically be considered for the merit scholarship.
However, families are welcome to complete a financial aid application in case the student does not receive a merit scholarship.
As an HMI Merit Scholar, you and your family do not pay for HMI tuition, gear rental, lodging, and food. The student and their family will pay for books, bookstore purchases, and any fees associated extracurricular activities.
First priority for the merit scholarships will be given to LCHS students. If fewer than three LCHS students apply, Lake County residents who do not attend LCHS will be considered.
Regardless of the number of LCHS applicants, Lake County residents who do not attend LCHS may still apply to the HMI Semester or HMI Summer Term and apply for need-based financial aid.
