In Grand Junction and Fruita, CO, community leaders often talk about preparing young people for a rapidly changing world. At the Cory Thompson Scholarship Fund, we believe that supporting student‑athletes is not just about school or sports — it’s about equipping future leaders to thrive in whatever trends lie ahead.
The scholarship’s mission in Grand Junction & Fruita
Cory Thompson, a proud son of Fruita, CO and Grand Junction area, launched this scholarship initiative to give back to the very community that shaped him. The Cory Thompson Scholarship Fund (on this site) is committed to awarding financial aid to student-athletes who demonstrate both academic excellence and athletic dedication. (You can learn more or apply via our Apply page.)
By offering this kind of support locally in Grand Junction, CO and Fruita, we keep opportunity close to home — so that worth doesn’t depend solely on leaving the region to chase dreams.
Why connecting with Google Trends matters
As you research college majors, career paths, or emerging industries, one tool to watch is Google Trends. This free tool shows what search topics are rising in popularity — whether AI tools, sustainability, remote work, or health tech. Search Atlas – Advanced SEO Software
By encouraging scholarship recipients to stay attuned to growing fields, the Cory Thompson Scholarship Fund helps students not only compete now, but pivot with changing landscapes.
For example, one top trending topic in 2025 is “AI for teachers” and “AI agents” — tools that assist with automating repetitive tasks or generating educational content. Exploding Topics
If one of our student‑athletes pursues education, computer science, or instructional design, being aware of these trends opens doors.
A local story: from Fruita to trend-savvy futures
Imagine a high school student in Fruita, CO receiving our scholarship. They’re already disciplined from sports. With funding, they pursue a degree in data science. They use Google Trends to spot niche skill gaps, tailor their coursework, and even pitch startups aligned with emerging topics like AI agents or immersive learning.
That’s the kind of ripple effect Cory imagines — not just enabling one student, but helping build a future-savvy pipeline in Grand Junction and beyond.
How to get involved
If you’re a student-athlete in Mesa County or near Grand Junction, CO, visit our Apply page to see eligibility and deadlines. You can also explore more about our vision and past winners on the About page.
And if you’re in the Fruita / Grand Junction community, share this effort through your networks. The more awareness, the more applicants we reach.
We also invite you to learn more about Cory’s community work via corythompsonfruitaco.com — his efforts in Fruita reflect the very same commitment to community building that underlies the scholarship.