The Denver Foundation

Reisher Scholars Program

The Reisher Scholars Program is one of Colorado's premier scholarship programs that supports students midway through college with the financial means to complete their undergraduate degree. While many scholarships help students start college, this program uniquely provides merit-and-need-based support to students already enrolled. The program was established by Roger and Margaret Reisher at The Denver Foundation in 2001. The Reishers 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, they wanted other students to have an opportunity to earn a college degree. The 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. Awards range from $6,000 to $22,000 per year at one of nine partner universities in Colorado. The program also includes additional offerings such as the Reisher Graduate Scholarship Program for master's degree seekers, the Reisher Scholars Alumni Program for continued community support, and the Reisher Bridge Program to create a pipeline for transfer students from community colleges.