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 potential 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 six 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.
Reisher Scholar awards are full unmet need scholarships and now range from $4,000 to $11,000 per year. From 2001 to 2014, over 1,000 students from a wide variety of backgrounds have received Reisher support, with a total of $13.5 million in scholarships. The Reisher Scholars Program continues to grow, expanding its reach and impact to help Colorado college students reach their goals.
Eligibility Requirements:
Continuing Students
Colorado Mesa University (CMU) continuing students will meet the following requirements:
- Be a Colorado Resident
- Be a continuing CMU student who will be a "sophomore" with 30-59 completed credits by Fall of the year enrolled at CMU.
- Be enrolled as a full-time student with an expected graduation within 3 years after being selected as a Reisher Scholar.
- Maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher by the end of the Spring semester prior to becoming a Reisher Scholar and continue to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Demonstrate specific financial need as determined by FAFSA.
- Complete the FAFSA by March 1st each year.
Transfer Students
Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Transfer students will meet the following requirements:
- Be a Colorado Resident
- Be a "junior" with 60-89 transferable credits from a junior or community college by Fall of the year enrolled at CMU.
- Plan to enroll as a full-time student with an expected graduation within 2 years after being selected as a Reisher Scholar.
- Maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher by the end of the Spring semester prior to becoming a Reisher Scholar and continue to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Demonstrate specific financial need as determined by FAFSA.
- Complete the FAFSA by March 1st each year.