Puksta Scholarship

The Puksta Scholarship provides access to higher education for Colorado students who are creating a pathway towards a more thoughtful compassionate community. Students who are awarded the scholarship will receive up to $5,000 per academic year. The scholarship is renewable for four years.

Program Details

The Puksta Foundation was created on March 9th, 2000 through the last will and testament of Harry L. Puksta and Eva J. In their wills Harry and Eva asked their friend and financial advisor, John Mulstay, to create a foundation on their behalf if they passed away together. John created the Puksta Foundation in their name as promised.

As a key component to receiving a Puksta scholarship, each of our Puksta Scholars are expected to create positive change within their communities and in the social justice area that they are inclined to address. This involves the creation of a Puksta Project. Puksta Projects are always thoughtful and impactful with a goal of being sustainable.

Scholars are supported by an experienced team of faculty/staff, a dedicated advisor, other scholars, and the Puksta Foundation to create their Puksta Project. The program is based on a cohort model where scholars participate in an enriching program of seminars, speakers, service projects and opportunities to collaborate and share insights.

Eligibility

• Must graduate from a high school in Denver, CO and/or be a Denver resident for at least 6 months prior to entering college.
• Have a passion and commitment to civic engagement and social justice.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above.

Point of Contact

If you have questions about the scholarship, please contact Scholarship Advisor Megan O'Connor via email at megan.e2.oconnor@ucdenver.edu or Karina De Jesus at karina.dejesus@ucdenver.edu. For more information, check out the Puksta Foundation Page and Puksta Foundation Instagram.