First Generation Student Outreach
We are thrilled to welcome you to our First-Generation Outreach Page! CU Denver strongly advocates for the success of students, with a dedicated focus on ensuring that students/families from the first-generation community are provided with the additional support and resources needed to achieve equitable and successful outcomes.
Hispanic Serving Institution
In May 2024, CU Denver was notified that we met the federally mandated 25% enrolled Hispanic students, which means we regained our Hispanic-Serving Institution designation.
As an HSI CU Denver is eligible for competitive federal grants that fund high-impact practices in support of student services and functions. These grants benefit student success and graduation, enrollment and retention, faculty and staff hiring, racially and culturally enhancing programs, and more.
AANAPISI
In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) approved the CU Denver | Anschutz application to become an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). DOE awarded CU Denver with a $1.8 million dollar grant.
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, our AANAPISI program is dedicated to enhancing the academic success and empowerment of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) students.
First-Generation Resources
Definition of First-Gen: “Neither parent has a four-year college degree.”
- First-Gen Student Page - There are many resources for first-generation students. Please visit the First-Gen site to learn about these opportunities.
- First-Gen Instagram
- TRIO Student Services and McNair Scholars
- Lynx Summer Academy
- Pre-Collegiate Program (For middle school and high school first generation students)
Events and Programs
A great way to make connections, learn about resources, and attend helpful workshops.
- First Generation Banquet
- First Generation Retreat
- First Generation Celebration Week
- First-Gen Mixers
For any questions about resources and events for first generation students, please email First-Gen@ucdenver.edu.
Mentorships
Mentorship is a transformative experience that can support a student’s academic success and career preparation. Mentorships are peer-to-peer (fellow students) and some are professional mentors from industries related to your major.
- Peer Advocate Leaders (PALs)
- Pre-Collegiate Development Program Mentors
- Orientation Leaders
- School/College Mentors - ask your academic advisor how to request a mentor
Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
Financial Aid and Scholarship Office
Ayuda Financiera
- “Cómo Obtener Dinero para la Universidad.” ‘How to get Money for College”
- ASSET/DACA Students
- Dream.us scholarship
- Scholarship good up to $33,000 for Undocumented Students, with or without DACA or TPS. Possible $6,000 book stipend as well.
- Displaced Aurarian Scholarship
- “The Displaced Aurarian Scholarship Program provides former Auraria residents and their descendants scholarships to programs offered on the Auraria campus.”