Foundation to Provide scholarships for Graduate Students

PUEBLO - The Colorado State University-Pueblo Foundation has designated $125,000 for graduate scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year to replace funds that had been awarded by a grant program no longer on campus.

The Regional Access to Graduate Education (RAGE) program aimed to increase access to graduate school and improve the graduation rates of master's-degree-seeking students. The program also focused on funding research endeavors and connecting graduate students with local community and government organizations.

RAGE had funded graduate scholarships during the five years it was on campus, including $126,000 to CSU-Pueblo graduate students for the 2015-2016 academic year. With the RAGE funds exhausted, post-baccalaureate students have limited resources to fund their education. The CSU-Pueblo Foundation will use a portion of the Lois W. and J. Roland Mathis Education Fund to replace those scholarship awards designated for graduate-level students.

Previously, the CSU-Pueblo Foundation had limited funds to aid post-baccalaureate students with scholarship assistance. With a recent addition to the Lois W. and J. Roland Mathis Education Fund, the CSU-Pueblo Foundation will offer $125,000 in graduate scholarship support. The Lois W. and J. Roland Mathis Education Fund has two priorities: (1) "Scholarships to deserving young persons for attendance to the University; (2) Fellowship for graduate students at the University."

"The Mathis Fund offers CSU-Pueblo a great opportunity," said Todd Kelly, CSU-Pueblo Foundation President/CEO. "Through this fund, we can provide scholarships to graduate-level students and the effects of the loss of the RAGE program can be minimized."

The CSU-Pueblo Foundation hopes that by providing scholarships for graduate students, it will carry on the missions both of the Mathis Fund and the RAGE program while increasing opportunities for graduate students as well as their completion rates. Eligible recipients must have a 3.0 grade point average and be enrolled in full-time or part-time graduate studies.

CSU-Pueblo offers nine graduate degree programs (chemistry, bio-chemistry, biology, English, history, industrial and systems engineering, business administration, nursing, and education). Graduate students can apply for the scholarships through their Personal Access to Web Services (PAWS) starting March 1, 2016. To be considered for Fall 2016-2017 scholarship awards, applications must be submitted by April 1.

For more information, contact Sammi Mutz, CSU-Pueblo Foundation Marketing and Stewardship Specialist, at 719.549.2469 or sammi.mutz@csupueblo.edu.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.