Center for Community Engagement &
Service Learning: Student Section
Puksta Foundation Scholarship
The Puksta Scholars Program provides the opportunity for Colorado students, with financial need, to pursue a college education and to develop a commitment to citizenship, leadership, and civic engagement. The University of Denver Puksta Scholars Program works closely with the Puksta Scholars Programs at Colorado State Univeristy in Fort Collins (CSU) and University of Colorado at Boulder (CU-Boulder).
The Puksta Scholarship Program was previously a three-year program, and is transitioning into a 4-year program that will be awarded annually to three incoming First Years who are Colorado residents. The 2008-2009 academic year is the final year that the program is offered to incoming Second Years (class of 2011).
The annual scholarship of $6,000, is renewable for four years to incoming First Years, and three years for incoming Second Years. The Puksta Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and commitment to the community. In addition, each Puksta Scholar receives an annual stipend to implement community projects or to gain pertinent training.
The Puksta Scholars Program requires meaningful student involvement in the Denver community. During the Fall quarter of freshman year, Puksta Scholars will partner with a Denver-based community organization. This partnership is formed based on the area of interest expressed in the student’s application. Each Puksta Scholar is expected to continue in this partnership for the duration of their 4-year scholarship, and the partnership is expected to develop within the following framework:
- Freshman Year: Observation, listening and volunteering. Puksta Scholar will become familiar with the community partner, its structure, operations, and community role.
- Sophomore/Junior Year: Leadership, identifying needs, and project development. Puksta Scholars will take on a leadership role within the community partner organization. Students will help to identify significant needs, and plan and implement a project that addresses those needs.
- Senior Year: Documentation and transition. Puksta Scholar will continue with their project, document their contribution to the community partner and community as a whole, and provide transition to the community partner as needed.
Application Process: Incoming First Year students who are Colorado residents- as defined by having graduated a Colorado high school- can apply for the Puksta Foundation Scholarship after receiving their letter of acceptance from the Admissions Office of the University of Denver.
Applications will be available in January of 2009. Please check our website at that time.
Selection Criteria: Puksta Scholars are selected based on their financial need, academics (must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher), passion for a core issue area, and prior demonstration of outstanding service and commitment to the community.
Selection Process: Applications are reviewed by the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL), financial need is evaluated by the Financial Aid Office, and qualifying applicants will be invited for personal interviews on campus.
Application Deadlines:
Early Action Admission: February 13, 2009*
Regular Admission: April 10, 2009*
*All applications are due to the CCESL by 5:00 pm on the due date, applications received after 5pm will not be reviewed.
Interviews: If selected for an interview you will be asked to visit the University of Denver during the following dates:
Early Action Admission: March 2-4, 2009
Regular Admission: April 15-21, 2009
Acceptance: Accepted Puksta Scholars will be notified by April 24, 2009
Click here to see a list of current DU Puksta Scholars.
For further information on the University of Denver’s Puksta Foundation Scholarship please contact:
Jenny Whitcher
Associate Director
Community Engagement and Service Learning
University of Denver
2050 E. Evans Ave. , Denver, CO 80210
(t) 303.871.4281 | (f) 303.871.3110
(e) puksta@du.edu
