Diverse Scholars Program

Empowering and Equipping Students

The mission of the Diverse Scholars Program is to empower and equip diverse students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as scholars, individuals and business professionals.

Driven by the program's four pillars of academic achievement, educational excellence, professional development, and community building, the program provides opportunities that allow students to be both learners and leaders throughout their undergraduate experience.

Office of Diversity Affairs Diverse Scholars Program Participants

Diverse Scholars Program Pillars

  • Supplemental and Personal Advising
  • FREE One-on-one Tutoring Services
  • Course-Related Academic Workshops for Accounting & Finance
  • Academic Cohorts During 1st Year   

  •  ​Research Initiative
  • One-on-One with Leeds Faculty and Staff
  • First-Year Global Experience
    • DSP Section Offered - Location TBD
    • Additional scholarships for DSP Section only

  • ​Corporate Partner Site Visits
  • Networking & Career Fair Skills
  • Office Hours with Corporate Partners
  • Lunch/Zoom & Learn Series with Corporate Partners 
    • Career Preparation & Job Search Workshops
    • Company & Industry Spotlights Presentations
    • Professional Skills & Development Workshops
    • Graduate Programs and Scholarship Workshops

  • DSP Peer Mentoring
  • Annual Retreat
  • Town Halls
  • Fall & Spring Community Events 

Learn more about the Diverse Scholars & 

hear what students have to say about the Program!

Diverse Scholars Program Benefits

 

What are the Benefits of Being a Diverse Scholar?

The Diverse Scholars Program offers many benefits. Here are just a few:

  • Participation scholarship awarded each semester if scholar meets program requirements (amount varies)
  • Supplemental academic advising and coaching
  • Access to weekly networking opportunities with corporate and external partners exclusively for DSP members
  • Peer and faculty mentoring
  • Free academic tutoring for business courses
  • Access to special scholarships, such as First Year Global Experience (FGX) scholarships, professional development scholarships, and emergency scholarships
  • Community Dialogues with Peers and the Center for Cultural Connections & Community 
Diverse Scholar Events

Lunch & Learn Series with Corporate Partners. Held virtually (Zoom & Learns) DSP is hosting up to 2-3 Zoom and Learns a week.

FAQ and the Zoom & Learn link are on the Canvas page under the Zoom & Learn model, and below is a summary of what you will find:

  • The Zoom & Learn Link
  • Upcoming Zoom & Learns with RSVP forms
  • Recommended Zoom & Learn Best Practices
  • Outside ODA Zoom & Learns Submission Form

As part of the DSP contract, students are required to attend a number of Lunch/Zoom & Learns based on year in college. Other Lunch/Zoom & Learns that fulfill the program requirement include MBSA, Leeds Career Development, Leeds Centers, and CU Career events. More details of which professional development events fulfill DSP requirements are detailed in the Lunch/Zoom & Learn module under the DSP Canvas page. Once you RSVP, your attendance is critical. Repercussions for missing a Zoom & Learn is detailed on the Canvas page under the Zoom & Learn module.

 

FREE One-on-one Tutoring Services

Free tutoring is offered to all Diverse Scholars in all Business classes.  Access to tutors and FAQ are on the Canvas page under the DSP Tutoring Module, and below is a summary of what you will find:

  • How to find a tutor
  • How to apply to be a tutor
  • How to request a tutor
  • Best Practices for Tutoring and Receiving Tutoring

 

What are the Program Commitments?

Students selected to be a Diverse Scholar are required to attend an annual new member retreat and orientation. Additionally, all sophomore DSP students must attend an accounting boot camp prior to beginning classes in the fall. Dates for the 2025-2026 admitted class are as follows:

  • Accept DSP Canvas Invitation: Early August
  • Accounting Boot Camp (sophomores only): August 18-20
  • Complete DSP Playposit & DSP Contact: Friday, August 22
  • DSP Fall Retreat: Tentatively Sept. 5-7

In addition to these events, DSP students must fulfill semester requirements, such as attending Lunch and Learns with corporate partners, participating in town hall, and completing advising check-ins to maintain DSP status and their DSP scholarship. Various dates and times are offered for most requirements for accessibility and flexibility with Scholars' schedules.

Joining the ODA Diverse Scholars Program
 

Am I Eligible?

Students applying to the Diverse Scholars Program must meet the following criteria to be eligible for consideration:

  • Applicant must be enrolled in the Leeds School of Business for the 2025-2026 school year
  • Applicant must be in good academic standing
What is the Application Process?

The Opening Doors to Achievement (ODA) Office encourages any eligible student with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, academic excellence, and community engagement to apply. Students should submit a full and complete application for the best consideration. When completing the application, students should be prepared to provide personal information as well as upload the following three documents in PDF format:

  • Essay one: Please share an experience you had interacting with others who differ from you in terms of culture, socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, political orientation, or other characteristics. What did you learn about yourself and/or the functioning of your community? How does this influence your desire to join and contribute the Diverse Scholars Program community? (500 word maximum).
  • Essay two: The Diverse Scholars Program is built on the foundation of four pillars: academic achievement, educational excellence, professional development, and community building. While all of the pillars will add value to your undergraduate experience, which DSP pillar will most challenge and aid in your growth as an individual, and why? (500 words maximum).
  • Current Resume. Please note that the ODA recognizes activities that promote their pillars of academic achievement, educational excellence, professional development, and community building as extremely valuable contributions on your resume. Examples of activities may include organization involvement, a part-time job, taking on major household duties, such as caring for younger siblings, and sustained community service.
Application

AY 25-26 Application Now Open!  

 

Application Opens: 

  • Monday, February 3, 2025

Application Deadline:

  • Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Program Decision Release:

  • Friday, August 1, 2025

Modifications to these deadlines may be made by the ODA.

 

Other Questions?

To schedule a one-on-one informational session with an ODA Program Manager go here. 

Email Tzigane.Martin@colorado.edu 

with any follow-up questions.