Reisher Scholars Program

Reisher Scholars logo
Community Scholars

The Reisher Scholars Program (RSP) supports over 100 UNC students with more than just funding. As a Reisher Scholar, you’ll be part of a close-knit, motivated community where service, connection, and growth matter.

Each fall, a new cohort of sophomores and community college transfers joins the program.  

Want to learn more about Reisher across Colorado?

Visit The Denver Foundation Reisher Website

Here’s what you’ll get as a Reisher Scholar:

You’ll find support, purpose, and people who believe in you.

$6,000-22,000 per year in scholarship funding 

Una cantidad de entre $6,000-22,000 por año 

Individualized advising and mentorship 

Mentores y consultores a nivel individual 

Personal and career development workshops 

Talleres para el desarrollo profesional y personal 

Community service opportunities 

Oportunidades para servir a la comunidad 

A motivated, diverse community that includes first-generation and non-traditional students

Un grupo de estudiantes motivados y diversos que incluyen estudiantes no tradicionales y los que asisten a la universidad por primera vez 

Why Reisher

You're not alone, and your path is welcome here! If you're ready to grow, give back, and graduate with purpose — Reisher is here for you.
92%

of Reisher Scholars graduate on time

based on 2024-25  Reisher graduation rates

99%

of scholars feel connected to the UNC community

in our 2024-25 scholar community

74%

of UNC’s Reisher Scholars identify as first-generation

data from 2024-25 scholar community

Real Support

A large group of Reisher scholars pose for a photo.

Real Impact

“To me, Reisher has meant financial, educational, emotional, and community success. I have been able to support myself, my family, and my community in ways that I could not have achieved without Reisher.”

Non-traditional student, single parent, and Transfer 2023 scholar

A large group of Reisher scholars pose for a photo.

Reisher Scholarship: Helping Sophomores and Transfers Reach the Finish Line

The Reisher Scholars Program isn’t just financial support — it’s a launchpad for your goals. You’ll join a powerful community of students who lift each other up and push each other forward. 

Four Reisher scholars pose for a group photo in matching sweaters.

Eligibility Requirements

There are two different paths to qualify for Reisher.

Continuing Student Scholarship

The Reisher Continuing Scholarship is a 3-year scholarship award (up to 6 semesters of funding). You may be eligible if:

  • you’re currently in your first year at UNC and
  • you will begin your second year in Fall 2026 and
  • you have an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2029

Transfer Student Scholarship

The Reisher Transfer Scholarship is a 2-year scholarship award (up to 4 semesters of funding).  You may be eligible if:

  • You are transferring to UNC from a community or junior college in Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026 and
  • You have an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2028

All Students 

To qualify for the Reisher Family Scholarship, all continuing and transfer students must:

  • Be a Colorado resident (this includes Native American students under Colorado Senate Bill SB21-029)
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Enroll in at least 12 credits each semester at UNC
  • Demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA 

Apply for Reisher at UNC

Important Reisher Application Dates

  • November 1, 2025: UNC Universal Scholarship Application opens 
  • December 1, 2025: FAFSA Opens 
  • Application workshop(s) (January) 
  • Meet & Greet (February)  
  • March 18, 2026: Continuing Application Closes 
  • Transfer recruitment event(s) (April) 
  • May 18, 2026: Transfer Application Closes 

Apply during the spring semester of your freshman year

Apply during the spring you transfer to UNC from a community or junior college

We’re here to help! You can reach our office at reisher.scholars@unco.edu or schedule a Reisher Interest Meeting. Our Reisher Staff are happy to help: 

  • answer your questions about the program 
  • help you determine whether you are eligible 
  • provide advice on your application 

There are two different Reisher Family Scholarships! Determine whether you are eligible for the Continuing or Transfer Student Scholarship:  

  • Apply for the Continuing Student Scholarship if you are currently in your first year at UNC and will going into your second year in Fall 2026.  
    • App Deadline: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
  • Apply for the Transfer Student Scholarship if you plan to transfer to UNC from a community college in either Spring, Summer, or Fall of 2026.  
    • App Deadline: Monday, May 18, 2026 

To be eligible for the scholarship, both continuing and transfer students must… 

  • Be a resident of Colorado (this includes Native American students in accordance with Colorado Senate Bill SB21-029) 
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above 
  • Enroll in 12 credits during each semester at UNC 
  • Demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA 

To apply, you will need to… 

  • Fill out the FAFSA for academic year 2026-27 
  • Complete the UNC Universal Scholarship Application, which is available through Ursa 
  • Complete the Reisher Scholarship application 
    • Four short essay questions 
    • Graduation plan created with your academic advisor 
  • If you are selected as a finalist, you will also be invited to complete an interview with the selection committee.  

Applications for the 2025-26 school year open on November 1, 2024 on the UNC Universal Scholarship Application. Log on to your UNC URSA account, click the “Financial” tab and then select the “UNC Scholarship Application” link.  

Based on eligibility criteria, the Reisher Application should generate in your “Recommended Opportunities” section, however, if it does not then you can do a search in “Our Opportunities” for “Reisher Family Scholarship- Continuing” or “Reisher Family Scholarship-Transfer Student” to access the applications.  

Meet Our Team