Dr. Rosemarie Allen Family Endowment

Purpose
The Fund is established to provide scholarships to students majoring in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.

This endowed scholarship is established by Dr. Rosemarie Allen and her husband, Don, to honor Dr. Allen’s 17-year career and educational legacy at Metropolitan State University of Denver. There is something special about the students that attend MSU Denver and more specifically, students of color wishing to enter into the field of teaching. Dr. Rosemarie Allen has experienced first-hand the barriers that prevent students from becoming licensed teachers and as a non-licensed teacher, she knew she made less than her peers. Providing financial support to students during their semester(s) of student teaching will ensure that the recipients do not need to drop out or go the route of non-licensure and can apply for higher-paying jobs thus closing the equity/pay gap for educators of color. Increasing the number of teachers of color may also help to mediate problematic social trends and opportunity gaps in the schooling experiences of students of color. This endowed scholarship is established by an exceptional educator, faculty award-winner and community member to support the next generation of educators of color.

Criteria
The scholarship recipient shall:

• Be meeting the University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements and cannot be in default or owe any refund/repayment of federal, state, or institutional aid
• Have a declared major in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education
• Submit a 500-word essay addressing the following questions:
o Why do you need this support to complete your student teaching semester(s) or residency?
o How will you make an impact on students of color when you become an educator?
• Be enrolled in 6 or more credit hours
• Be an undergraduate student

Preference for Latino/a, African American, and Indigenous applicants with the highest preference for African American applicants.

Both DACA/Asset students are eligible for this scholarship.