Main Navigation Donor Login MAKE A GIFT Grants & Scholarships Donor Services Community Impact News & Publications About Search Reisher Scholars Program Leer en español About the Program Merit-and-Need Based Scholarships The Reisher Scholars Program is one of Colorado’s premier scholarship programs. While many scholarships help students start college, the Reisher Scholars Program supports students midway through college with the financial means to complete their undergraduate degree. Awards range from $4,000 to $11,000 per year at one of seven partner universities. Every year, the program continues to grow, expanding its reach and impact to help Colorado college students achieve their goals. The program was established at The Denver Foundation in 2001 by the Reisher family. Roger and Margaret Reisher came from modest means and were first in their families to attend and graduate college. Appreciating how much their education impacted their lives and success in the banking industry, the Reishers wanted other students to have an opportunity to earn a college degree. Eligibility The Reisher Scholars Program supports students who demonstrate academic and leadership potential as undergraduates. Students either enter the program as rising sophomores currently attending one of the partner institutions or as transfer students from a community college entering the partner institution as juniors. Applicant Requirements To be selected as a Reisher Scholar, a student must: Be a Colorado resident. Plan to enroll in the fall as a full-time college student working toward their first four-year degree at one of the Reisher Partner Universities. Be a rising sophomore or incoming transfer student from a community college. Demonstrate one or more of the following personal qualities: highly motivated, goal-oriented, responsible, and/or likely to make a contribution to society as evidenced by community service, leadership activities, work experience, or unusual experiences. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Have financial need with a total unmet need of at least $4,000 but not more than $11,000. We help strong students finish even stronger. The Reisher Scholars Program has provided $28.7 million in scholarships to help more than 1,800 students complete college and pursue their ambitions. At this very moment, more than 360 Reisher Scholars are working to achieve their dreams of a college education here in Colorado. $7,984 average annual Reisher Scholarship award $2.8M awarded for the 2019/2020 academic year 71% of current scholars are first-generation college students In a society where, because of my background, people constantly think that I cannot and will not accomplish my goals, having someone that believes in the beauty of your dreams is simply priceless. Former Reisher Scholar How to Apply To apply, reach out to the Reisher Coordinator at one of our seven Partner Institutions: Colorado Mesa University Reisher Coordinator: Sara Hogue Visit Colorado Mesa University site. Colorado State University Reisher Coordinator: Sam Desta Visit Colorado State University site. Colorado State University – Pueblo Reisher Coordinator: Sandy Lundahl Visit Colorado State University – Pueblo site. Metropolitan State University of Denver Reisher Coordinator: Cary Aplin Visit Metropolitan State University of Denver site. University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Reisher Coordinator: Jennifer Fisher Visit University of Colorado Colorado Springs site. University of Colorado – Denver Reisher Coordinator: Harlie Tucker Visit University of Colorado Denver site. University of Northern Colorado Reisher Coordinator: Sherri Frye Visit University of Northern Colorado site. Meet Our Scholars Emanuel Walker Reisher Scholar, Metropolitan State University of Denver After earning an associate’s degree at Community College of Denver, Emanuel Walker discovered a passion for technology – and a place for him on the Auraria Campus. As a computer information systems student at MSUD, Emanuel is developing ways to increase retention and graduation rates among Black students through experiential learning, research, and providing digital “badges” to demonstrate specific skills. Emanuel is on a mission to make higher education more accessible to all students. LEARN MORE ABOUT EMANUEL MAKE A GIFT GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FLOODLIGHT GIVE MAGAZINE DONOR LOGIN PRIVACY POLICY SITE MAP The Denver Foundation 1009 Grant Street Denver, Colorado 80203 303.300.1790 information@denverfoundation.org Stay in Touch Sign up for our e-newsletter for inspiring stories about people and organizations working to improve life in Metro Denver. Newsletter Signup SIGN UP