View of the Castles on a rainy day.

Geiman Scholars Program

Making higher education accessible to first-generation students in the Gunnison Valley.

The Geiman Scholars Program provides financial assistance to first-generation, low-income students local to the Gunnison Valley to help remove financial barriers to higher education.

 

 

Meet David Geiman

David Geiman is a philanthropist and former agribusiness executive whose generosity has greatly impacted Western Colorado University. Inspired by a visit to the Gunnison Valley, Geiman and his wife, Jeanne, established the Geiman Scholars Program—a $6.6 million endowment providing scholarships to low-income, first-generation students from the area. They also created the Geiman Fellows and Junior Fellows programs, which offer mentorship and academic support. Through these efforts, Geiman has helped expand educational access and opportunity in the Gunnison Valley.

Program Requirements

The Geiman Scholars Program offers first-generation, low-income students with strong academic potential the opportunity to attend Western Colorado University.

Scholarship Details

Recipients may receive up to $15,000 per year for four years (up to a maximum of $60,000), contingent on full-time enrollment at Western Colorado University.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, students must:

  • Be a current high school freshman residing in the Gunnison Valley (Gunnison and Crested Butte).
  • Have a minimum 2.8 GPA, demonstrating academic potential and motivation.
  • Meet financial eligibility requirements, verified by parent or guardian tax documentation.
  • Qualify as a first-generation college student, meaning neither parent/guardian has graduated from college, or only one parent/guardian has.

High School Requirements

Once selected, recipients must:

  • Attend all required meetings throughout the year focused on academic development and college readiness, as well as participate in additional required events and activities.
  • Maintain regular communication with the Student Success Coordinator and Geiman Mentors at Western Colorado University.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA, submitting grade reports each semester. If the GPA falls below 2.8, students have one semester to improve it or risk program removal.
  • File the FAFSA or CASFA during junior and senior years to verify continued financial eligibility.
  • Apply for additional scholarships through Western Colorado University’s scholarship application or other local, state, or national programs.

Vision & Mission:

  • Our goal is to foster and encourage a desire to learn while also building skills and removing obstacles to help students achieve the academic success necessary for college attendance. This program was created by the Geiman Fellows, another Western program, using the concepts that had proven successful in the Valley Scholars program at James Madison University. All scholars who meet the requirements during their high school career are offered a last dollar in full-ride scholarship (tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies) to attend Western Colorado University.
  • Geiman Scholars are advised by current Western students who serve as mentors. These mentors receive extensive training, as well as a background check, to support the high school scholars on their road towards higher education.

For more information, please contact Christa Ochoa.

Email Christa Ochoa