Reisher Scholars Program


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 $15,000 per year at one of eight 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 $15,000.

We help strong students finish even stronger.


The Reisher Scholars Program has provided $33.1 million in scholarships to help nearly 2,000 students complete college and pursue their ambitions. At this very moment, more than 380 Reisher Scholars are working to achieve their dreams of a college education here in Colorado.

$7,911
average annual Reisher Scholarship award

$3.1M
awarded for the 2021/2022 academic year

74%
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

Celebrating 20 Years


 

Reisher Scholars past and present, members of the Reisher family, and Denver Foundation scholarship staff gathered in the summer of 2022 to celebrate the program’s 20th anniversary.

How to Apply


To apply, reach out to the Reisher Coordinator at one of our eight Partner Institutions:

Colorado Mesa University

Reisher Coordinator: Sarah Merry
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.

 

Fort Lewis College

Reisher Coordinator: Fave Johnston
Visit Fort Lewis College site.

 

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Reisher Coordinator: Scott Bergman
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: Christina Henningsen
Visit University of Colorado Denver site.

 

University of Northern Colorado

Reisher Coordinator: Sheridan Snapp
Visit University of Northern Colorado site.

Meet Our Scholars


Bridget Roberts

Reisher Scholar, University of Colorado Colorado Spring

A first-generation student, Bridget Roberts wanted to go to college right after high school; however, she realized going into the workforce would be financially necessary to support her family. She deferred her dream of college for over twenty years while working full-time and raising her children.  Her advice for other nontraditional students is to “connect with what matters to you. To find your interests, to find what inspires you, and in doing so, find ways to invest in others and to make the opportunities that you have with a college degree count.” 

Learn More About Bridget