About the Reisher Scholars Program
The Reisher Scholars Program awards scholarships to Colorado students based upon demonstrated financial need and academic merit. The program seeks to help promising Colorado students earn their undergraduate degrees without incurring additional educational debt. The Reisher Scholars Program is unique in that it focuses on rising college sophomores and transfer students from community colleges who have already demonstrated academic and leadership skills as undergraduates.
The program was established in 2001 by the Reisher family. Roger and Margaret Reisher came from modest means and were the first in their families to attend and graduate from college. Appreciating how much their education impacted their lives and success in the banking industry, the Reishers established the program to help fill a gap in Colorado student financial aid. While many scholarships help students get started on their college journey, the Reisher Scholarship is designed to help provide students with the financial means to complete their undergraduate degree.
Currently eight Colorado public universities partner with the Reisher Scholars Program. Students who have completed their freshman year at a partner university or who are transferring into one of the universities from community colleges for their junior year may apply. Applicants must meet a variety of eligibility requirements, including a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, demonstrated financial need and involvement in service activities.
The Reisher Scholars Program began at CSU in the fall of 2012 with the mission to provide educational opportunities for promising Colorado undergraduate students. Scholars are 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 experience. Reisher Scholar awards are range from $4,000 to $15,000 per year and is determined by completion of the FAFSA and the subsequent unmet need. Awards are renewable if the scholar meets the program requirements.
The Reisher Scholars Program continues to grow, expanding its reach and impact to help Colorado college students reach their goals. To learn more about the Reisher Scholars Programs, please visit http://www.denverfoundation.org/Scholarships/Reisher-Scholars/Home
Eligibility Requirements
CSU “Continuing” candidates will meet the following requirements:
- Be a Colorado resident.
- Be a first-year CSU student who will be a sophomore by Fall 2025.
- Be enrolled as a full-time student with an expected graduation within 3 years (spring 2028) after being selected as a Reisher Scholar.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher by the end of the Fall 2024 semester and in subsequent semesters.
- Be eligible for the Pell Grant (Maximum, Minimum, or Calculated) or demonstrate unmet financial need while having a household adjusted gross income less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1st.
- Continuing candidate March 1st.
- Wednesday, November 6th 4:00-5:00pm in LSC 372
- Tuesday, November 12th 4:00-5:00pm in LSC 308
Community College “Transfer” candidates will meet the following requirements:
- Be a Colorado resident.
- Be a junior from a junior or community college by Fall 2025.
- Plan to enroll as a full-time student at CSU through graduation.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at by the end of the Fall 2024 semester.
- Be eligible for the Pell Grant (Maximum, Minimum, or Calculated) or demonstrate unmet financial need while having a household adjusted gross income less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 1st.
- Expected to graduate within 2 years (Spring 2027) of receiving the Reisher Scholarship.
- Transfer candidate May 4th.
- Wednesday, April 16th 5:00-5:30pm Virtual Meeting.