Scholarships for Incoming Resident Freshmen

Western State College of Colorado offers a variety of scholarships for new students. Scholarships are awarded based on a student's merit, achievements, involvement and leadership. Some scholarships require the New Student Scholarship Application while others are awarded automatically based on GPA and test scores - please see scholarship descriptions below for specific guidelines.

The deadline for scholarship applications is April 1, 2010. Selection is competitive and the number of scholarships available is limited. Some talent-based awards are available in extracurricular activities such as music, art or athletics.

*NOTE:  All SAT requirements listed reflect a combined Critical Reading and Math score only.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR COLORADO RESIDENT FRESHMEN

FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS - AUTOMATIC CONSIDERATION

Students will qualify for ONE of the following programs.  Consideration is automatic upon acceptance. 

• Excellence Award - $1,000 per year, renewable for 4 years:
  The Excellence Award is valued at $1,000 per year and is renewable for four years. Students must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher and a minimum 22 ACT or 1000 SAT*.

• Western Award - $500, renewable for 4 years:
  The Western Award is valued at $500. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher and a minimum 20 ACT or 950 SAT*.

FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS - COMPETITIVE

Scholarship application, personal essay and two letters of recommendation are required for all competitive scholarships.  Competitive scholarships can be added to all other awards.

• Academic Leadership Program (ALP) - $1,500 per year, renewable for 4 years:
  The ALP Scholarship is a competitive award, and is valued at $1,500 per year. Applicants must have a 3.2 cumulative GPA or higher and a minimum 21 ACT or 990 SAT*. The student must also have demonstrated leadership skills in at least three different types of activities in high school. Scholarship application, essay and 2 recommendations required. 

•  Trustees Scholarship - $1,000 renewable for 4 years:
  The Trustees Scholarship is valued at $1,000 per year. This is a competitive, renewable scholarship for the highest achieving students. Applicants must have a 3.8 cumulative GPA or higher, 25 ACT or 1100 SAT* score or higher. Scholarship application, essay and 2 recommendations required. 
   

ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Colorado Girls / Boys State Scholarship - $500:
  The Colorado Girls / Boys State Scholarship is a competitive scholarship for students who attend Colorado Girls or Boys State. The scholarship is valued at $500 for one year. Students must submit a letter of application for the Colorado Girls/Boys State Scholarship.
• Legacy Scholarship - $500:
  The Legacy Scholarship was created for the children and grandchildren of Western State College Alumni. It is open to new freshmen and transfer students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.  The Legacy Scholarship is an automatic award and valued at $500 for one year. A verification form (to verify the alumni status of the parent or grandparent) is required - see the Alumni section of our website for more information.
• Foundation Scholars Program- $4,000 per year, renewable:
  The Foundation Scholars Award is a competitive, renewable scholarship valued at $4,000 per year. It can be awarded to any Western student. Four awards are available each year: one for an incoming freshman, and one each for a continuing sophomore, junior, and senior. To apply for the Foundation Scholars Award, a student must have a cumulative 3.5 grade point average. High school applicants must also have a minimum score of 25 ACT or 1100 SAT*. Deadline is April 1. Contact the Western State College Foundation directly to receive an application at 970-641-2237.  
• Eastman Achievement Award in Recreation - $500:
  This award seeks to recognize and encourage Outdoor Leadership & Resort Management majors who show diversity and outstanding achievement in the recreation field. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and a 21 ACT or 990 SAT*. Students must also show a documented commitment to recreation as their major field of study at Western. Applications are sent to all accepted incoming OLRM majors who meet the requirements in the spring. Application form and typed essay addressing at least three of the following areas should be sent to Dr. Brooke Moran, OLRM Dept., Western State College of Colorado, Gunnison, CO 81231. Deadline is April 1, 2010. Amount of scholarship is $500. Must show outstanding achievement in at least three of the following five areas:
• Special Recreational Talents
• Unique Recreational Endeavors
• Obstacles Overcome
• Community Service
• Leadership

• WSC Presidential Honors Scholarship- $2,500 per year, renewable:
  The WSC Presidential Honors Scholarships, established by the Jack and Marilyn MacAllister Foundation shall be an elite class of scholarships awarded to Western’s highest achieving and most deserving students, celebrating the ideals of academic excellence and service to the campus and community.  Recipients of the Scholarships will be members of the Western State College Honors Program. Eligible candidates should have a high school, transfer, or Western State College grade point average of, at minimum, 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.   Candidates must also demonstrate leadership qualities or experience and a commitment to intellectual inquiry and academic challenge.
  
  Application Process
  1. Send a cover letter citing your qualifications and accomplishments
  2. Two letters of recommendation from teachers, guidance counselors, professors or academic advisors
  3. Copy of your most recent educational transcript
  4. Any other documentation that would be helpful in evaluation you as a candidate for this Scholarship.
  
  Applications are due by April 19, 2010 and should be submitted to:
  
  Western State College Honors Program
  Dr. Heather Thiessen-Reily, Honors Director
  The Presidential Honors Scholarship Program
  Kelley Hall 225
  Western State College
  Gunnison CO 81231
  (970) 943-7128
  hthiessen@western.edu
  

• The Kearney Scholarship (Pueblo-area students only) - $1,000:
  This scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance to Western State College students who attended high school in Pueblo. To be eligible, a student must be an incoming freshman enrolling full-time to Western, be a graduate of Central or South High School in Pueblo, Colo., and have one parent who served honorably in the US Armed Forces. All things being equal, preference shall be given to former students of Colombian Elementary School in Pueblo. To apply, submit a letter of application detailing your eligibility and why you feel you are a worthy candidate. Send applications to Office of Admissions, Western State College of Colorado, Gunnison, CO 81231. The amount of the scholarship is $1,000.
  
• Departmental Scholarships- $250-$500:
  Several academic departments at Western State College have awards available to students. These awards are valued from $250 to $500 per year. Please contact the department directly for more information.
  
• Athletic Scholarships- Varying amounts:
  Athletic awards are based on a student's athletic performance. The Department of Athletics sets values and requirements for Athletic Scholarships - contact coaches individually for more information.
  
• Other Scholarships/Common Scholarship- Varying amounts:
  Many other scholarships available to all students are combined into the Common Scholarship Application. Requirements for each scholarship are listed in the Scholarship Description section. Scholarship application required. Deadline is April 1.