Colorado State Scholarship Fund Report
In mid-January, when our state was experiencing snow upon snow, the Colorado State Scholarship Committee had received only 30 some applications. By the deadline on January 31st, we had received a total of 125! After carefully reading the inspiring stories of these women applicants, the CSSF Committee met in February and chose to award the following 29 CSSF scholarships for 2023. Congratulations to these deserving young women!
Colorado State Scholarship Fund
The Colorado State Scholarship Fund was established at the 2007 Colorado State Convention. The P.E.O. Foundation helped in establishing funds for this scholarship. The first committee had the responsibility of establishing a policy manual, details for eligibility, applications and anything else that pertained to the scholarship prior to being able to offer it to applicants.
Preference for this scholarship may be for non-traditional fields of study such as vet tech, cosmetology, CNA, etc. Traditional applicants are also considered. In 2008 and 2009 one scholarship in the amount of $1,000 was awarded each year. In 2011, 2 scholarships were given, one for $1,000 and one for $750. At the 2011 Colorado State Convention an amendment was passed allowing any accumulated interest and principal in excess of $50,000 to be used for scholarships. Until then only interest could be used. With the generous contributions of chapters throughout the state and this new change in 2012, six scholarships were given for a total amount of $11,000.00. In 2013, with 28 applicants from all over the state, we were able to give 6 scholarships totaling $22,000.00. 2014 brought even more growth in our fund and with 42 applications to consider we were able to award 9 scholarships in varying amounts totaling $32,000.00. By 2022, we were able to award 37 scholarships in varying amounts totaling $78,000.00.
Each year at Colorado State Convention we ask one of the previous year’s recipients to speak at the projects dinner. It is a special time to hear how our scholarship has helped impact a women’s life and a brief opportunity to get to know her.
An applicant must be within two years of high school graduation or GED date. We point this out because you may come across someone who is older, recently obtained her GED and is looking to go on for training in order to obtain a better job. Keep this in mind as you are looking for candidates. An applicant does NOT have to be sponsored by a chapter, but having a connection to a chapter would be preferable in helping her through the process and offering encouragement. It is important for P.E.O. Sisters to get the information to your local high schools.
The application time frame is November 1st through January 31st each year. You will also find the brochure and contact information for the committee to the right.
For questions or more information, please contact:
Chair, Sara Canfield, EG (2021-2024)
jkc19307@msn.com
(970) 768-1968
19307 County Road Q
Ft. Morgan, CO 80701
COLORADO STATE SCHOLARSHIP
FUND COMMITTEE
CSC Treasurer serves as adviser
Sara Canfield, EG (2021-2024)
jkc19307@msn.com
970-768-1968
Catherine Davis, JN (2023-2025)
catherine.davis1225@gmail.com
513-304-9469
Barb Hunter, ID (2023-2026)
barb.hunter50@yahoo.com
303-884-2735