Unique program supports Coloradan students after their first year
Jan. 12, 2026 – The University of Colorado Boulder will have $4.2 million available in Reisher Scholarships thanks to a partnership with The Denver Foundation and the Reisher Family Foundation. The Reisher Scholars Program specifically targets Colorado students after their first year by offering financial support for them to complete their undergraduate degrees, and will now be available to CU Boulder students.
“We are deeply grateful for the Reisher Scholars Program and its generous support,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “This investment directly addresses students’ real challenges to help them stay on track, graduate, and thrive. At CU Boulder, we believe that access to education should lead to degree completion. The Reisher Scholars Program strengthens our commitment to student success and ensures that more Buffs can finish college ready to achieve their next steps.”
This fall, the program at CU Boulder will launch with 40 students in the first cohort, with a plan to grow to 80 students in the second year and 100 in the third. Starting in the fourth year, the Reisher Scholars Program intends to provide an additional $1.8 million in annual contributions to sustain the program.
“At CU Boulder, we believe that access to education should lead to degree completion. The Reisher Scholars Program strengthens our commitment to student success and ensures that more Buffs can finish college ready to achieve their next steps.”
- Chancellor Justin Schwartz
Each selected student may qualify for up to $22,000 per year to cover their cost of attendance and access to free mental health support through Talkspace, an online therapy provider. Interested Colorado students can apply by March 15 for rising sophomores and June 15 for transfer students.
Roger and Margaret Reisher started the Reisher Scholars program in 2001 because they credited their education for their success and wanted to expand that opportunity to others. Roger graduated from CU Boulder with an accounting degree in 1950, and Roger and Margaret Reisher were the first in their families to earn college degrees.
The Reisher Scholars Program at The Denver Foundation is now one of the largest scholarship programs in Colorado. In 2025-2026, the Reisher Scholars Program is on track to give nearly $10MM in scholarships to 712 undergraduate students.
“With the addition of CU Boulder to the Reisher Scholars Program as our 10th partner institution, we are continuing to expand our reach to Colorado students and help them complete their degree,” said Sharon Harper, senior director of scholarships for The Denver Foundation.
“Our hope is that more Colorado students see themselves as belonging in the higher education landscape, and this partnership with CU Boulder allows the Reisher Scholars Program to reach even more students engaged in a wide variety of educational pursuits, while making college accessible and achievable for Colorado learners.”
