CU Denver Receives $3.25 Million Grant from The Denver Foundation’s Reisher Scholars Program

Denver, CO, Aug. 3, 2026 — CU Denver announced today it has received a $3.25 million grant from the Reisher Scholars Program at The Denver Foundation as part of a landmark $25 million initiative marking the 25th anniversary of the program. The funds will be directed to CU Denver’s students over the next two academic years.

The grant is part of a statewide investment by the Reisher Scholars Program at The Denver Foundation, recognizing colleges and universities that share a commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and success for Colorado students. CU Denver is among a group of current and future Reisher partner institutions across the state to receive anniversary funding.

The funding means CU Denver will be able to offer two scholarship programs designed to engage first time-in-college and transfer Colorado students in developing the skills, habits, and connections that support success from their first year through graduation.

“CU Denver remains committed to removing barriers and helping students access the transformational power that a college degree makes possible,” said Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen, PhD. “But that’s only the first step. Thanks to this generous grant from The Denver Foundation and the Reisher Scholars Program, we’ll be able to pair financial support with personalized coaching so that more students have the guidance and resources they need to persist, graduate, and achieve their goals.”

CU Denver has partnered with the Reisher Scholars Program since 2001, supporting Colorado students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree who may have insufficient financial resources, to graduate in a timely manner with minimal additional educational debt. The scholarships are both need- and merit-based. Reisher scholarships have been awarded to 455 students at CU Denver so far.

“This investment celebrates 25 years of transformative partnerships and positions the Reisher Scholars Program for its next chapter of growth,” said Javier Alberto Soto, president and CEO of The Denver Foundation, which administers the scholarship program. “By putting significant resources directly into the hands of institutions that share our commitment to student success, we are strengthening relationships statewide and opening doors for the next generation of Colorado scholars.”

Visit the Reisher Scholars Program website for more information. Visit CU Denver’s website for more information about scholarships at the university.

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About CU Denver: Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We’re the state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of their life and career—for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $665 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit cudenver.edu. 

About the Reisher Scholars Program at The Denver Foundation: The Reisher Scholars Program has supported Colorado students for 25 years through partnerships with colleges and universities across the state. Made possible by the Reisher Family Foundation, the program is administered by The Denver Foundation.

For 100 years, The Denver Foundation, its generous donors, and community partners have been building a stronger, thriving Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Centered in racial equity, The Denver Foundation prioritizes housing, climate and environment, youth well-being, and economic mobility. Providing more than $1.6B in grants to local nonprofits in its 100-year history.