Puksta Annual Scholarship

Puksta Scholars Program

Each year, students who demonstrate a strong commitment to service and civic responsibility are selected to join the Puksta Scholars Program. Scholars participate in a rigorous and rewarding program designed to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to become catalysts for lasting positive change within their communities.

Each Scholar identifies, with assistance from a mentor, a multi-year project that addresses a civic issue within the community. The scholar will gain leadership skills through project planning, project execution and working with community resources.
Puksta scholars receive a $3500 stipend per academic year (disbursed in four equal installments- ten days before and at mid-term during the fall and spring semesters). In addition, scholars are eligible for $150 for professional development. Students admitted to the program are eligible to continue their funding depending upon their progress and their class status at the time of admission.

Eligibility:
• Be a full-time student (defined as at least 12 credit hours per semester)*
• Must be a junior, sophomore, or freshman at the start of the fall semester
• Have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
• Meet MSU Denver’s institutional financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements
• Not be in default or owe any refund/repayment of federal, state, or institutional aid
• Have a final high school transcript from a Colorado high school on file with the Office of Admissions, indicating graduation or
proof of successful completion of a GED

Students admitted to the Puksta Scholars Program are expected to:
• Maintain the required cumulative 2.5 GPA
• Maintain full-time status*
• Devote an average of 4 hours per week to their Puksta community engagement projects
• Attend all Puksta events, including monthly meetings, seminars, and workshops
• Satisfactorily complete all Puksta paperwork, reports and presentations

*Exceptions may be made by the Student Access Center for students with documented disabilities.

Award
$3,500 at minimum
Deadline
03/31/2023
Supplemental Questions
  1. There are two mandatory short answer questions. Each response should address all parts of the question and be approximately 300 words.
    • Being a Puksta Scholar is more than just receiving a scholarship, you will become part of a community, and, at the same time, you will be asked to address a social issue. During your time as a Puksta Scholar, you will be mentored along a path to turn your ideas into action. Please tell us about a social or environmental issue that you are passionate about exploring? - If you had unlimited means (such as people, supplies, money, etc… feel free to dream big) at your disposal right now, how do you think you would go about addressing it?
    • To be successful and genuine in the work we do in the community it is important to be able share our own personal stories. Where we came from, why we do what we do, and where we think we are going are all questions that will be asked of you in this community work. Tell us a story that explains your motivation for participating in your community. What is your personal connection to the social issue area(s) that you are passionate about engaging with? Although you have full creative license here, a framework that might be helpful is discussing a challenge you have faced, a choice you made, the outcome of that choice, and any insights about those experiences. *This is meant to be reflective of your personal story and background, not a summary of your activities in the community or awards.
  2. Please provide a name and email address of a reference provider
  3. (Second) Please provide a name and email address of a reference provider
  4. Attach a current resume