Reisher Continuing Scholarship

The Reisher Scholars Program was established in Colorado 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. While most other scholarships help students get started on their college journey, the Reisher Scholarship is specifically designed to give well-rounded college students the financial means to complete their undergraduate degree.

Recipients of the Reisher Scholarship receive between $6,000 to $22,000 each year, which can be renewed for up to three years. Scholarship amount varies based on financial need. Approximately 20 new students will be selected per year.

To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

  • Be a first-year student who completed 12 credit hours in the fall semester and is enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours in the spring semester.
  • Be a Colorado resident.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or have significant financial need that is not already covered by other types of financial aid.
  • Work a minimum of 10 hours per week (exceptions made for those caring for dependents, or for those who are college athletes).

How to Apply:

To apply for consideration, you must:

  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CU Boulder General Scholarship Application by the posted deadline.
  • Finalists will be asked to interview.
  • For questions, please contact scholarshipadvisor@colorado.edu.

Renewal Criteria:

To be eligible to renew this scholarship each year, recipients are required to:

  • Complete a FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.
  • Complete a minimum of 12 hours per semester.
  • Commit to graduate within three years of selection.
  • Maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA.
  • Participate in the Reisher Scholarship support program by attending events and completing mandatory check-ins with scholarship staff.
  • Work a minimum of ten hours per week during the fall and spring semesters unless a work waiver is granted.

Students are reviewed for renewal each summer; no additional application is required.

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Award
Varies
Deadline
04/09/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. The Reisher Scholars Program is designed to remove financial barriers so students can focus on completing their degree and build work experience. Reisher Scholars receive a combination of grants and the Reisher Scholarship that cover tuition, mandatory fees, housing, food, transportation, and other basic educational costs for up to three years, based on financial need. Graduates of the Reisher program may also apply for additional funding to help with the cost of graduate school. Students in the program are not permitted to borrow student loans while receiving the scholarship.

    • In your own words, explain how would this funding model affect your academic focus and plans to complete your degree?
  2. The Reisher Scholarship includes participation in a supportive scholar community. To remain eligible, students are expected to attend required Reisher events (such as dinners or other community activities) and complete mandatory check‑ins with scholarship staff, which may include online surveys or brief written reflections. Participation typically totals 10-15 hours per academic year, and students are always excused from activities that conflict with class time. Students involved in CU LEAD Alliance or CU First Generation Scholarship programs will continue participating in those programs, and Reisher staff will align expectations to support students’ existing community commitments.

    Do you have any concerns about meeting these expectations while balancing them with your academic responsibilities.
  3. Reisher Scholars are expected to work a minimum of 10 hours per week during the academic year (with limited exceptions).

    Describe your current employment or work responsibilities.
    Do you foresee any issues balancing work, academics, and other programmatic commitments?
    If you don't currently work, but plan to find a job to meet this requirement, describe what type of job you plan to find.
    If you anticipate requesting a work waiver, briefly explain why.
  4. Reisher Scholars must enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and commit to graduating within three years.

    Do you have a general plan to complete your degree within three years of being selected for this scholarship?
  5. Please note: This is the primary essay used to nominate students for this scholarship to the external selection committee at The Denver Foundation. Essays will be shared verbatim, so please take care to provide a complete, thoughtful, and well‑developed response.

    How do you see your degree impacting your life and community?
  6. The Reisher Scholarship requires a 15‑minute interview. Applicants must schedule their interview using the following link: Open CU Boulder SignUpGenius .

    Do you acknowledge and agree to sign up for an interview if selected?
  7. The Denver Foundation Scholarship Data Release: Nominations for Reisher scholarship are sent to the Denver Foundation Scholarship for final selection. If you wish to be considered for this award, submit the Student Consent to Data Release.
  8. Do you have any dependents?
    • Do you wish to apply for a work waiver because your primary job is caring for the dependent(s)?
    • How many dependents do you have?
    • Provide the age(s) of the dependent(s)..
  9. Do you have any questions or concerns our team can address during your interview?
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