Major new fund aimed to increase diversity at CU
In December 2005, University of Colorado President Hank Brown announced
a $1 million gift from the Pioneer Fund of Denver, made possible
by Helen McLoraine, for the purpose of creating a scholarship program for
diverse and
historically underrepresented students at the University.
The gift challenges CU to raise $7.5 million in additional scholarship
funds, allowing the University to increase the number of Pre-Collegiate
graduates who enroll in CU.
“
The Pioneer Fund will provide a shot in the arm to our recruiting
of low income students. In the coming months we will be rolling out a focused
campaign to raise the $7.5 million endowment,” said President Brown.
The funds will provide annual academic scholarships to eligible
graduates of CU’s signature Pre-Collegiate Development Program. The Pre-Collegiate
program is one of CU’s top diversity recruitment and retention programs.
The program provides rigorous pre-college academic and preparation
for middle school and high school students with an emphasis on first generation
and low-income
students from traditionally under-represented groups in higher education.
Since 1987, 96 percent of the graduates from the Pre-Collegiate
program have enrolled in post-secondary education. The vast majority of
Pre-Collegiate
graduates, 97 percent, apply to the campus that hosted the program.
However, only 60 percent enroll in either their host CU campus or system-wide.
“
We believe the lack of need-based aid is a key impediment for these
fine students in pursuing their education at the University. Increasing diversity
is a high priority for us and if we are going to be successful, we need to
raise our own funds,” Brown said.
The new scholarship fund will provide financial assistance to help
cover the costs of education, including tuition, books, and fees.
Depending on the availability of funds, the University hopes to offer financial
assistance
for room and board as well. The scholarship will automatically
renew each academic year, provided the student maintains at least a 2.5
GPA while enrolled
at the University, but not to exceed five years.
For information on CU’s Pre-Collegiate Development Program, visit http://www.cu.edu/diversity/precollegiate.html.
