Beardsley Family Scholarship

Beardsley Scholarship AY 26-27 Hero Image

In the Spring of 2014, the Center of the American West awarded its first two Beardsley Family Scholarships to CU Boulder undergraduates enrolled in the Western American Studies Certificate Program. Since then, awards ranged from $1,000 – $4,000 per scholarship depending on funding availability.

For the 2025-26 academic year we are offering

four merit-based scholarships of $2,000 each

Requirements:

  1. Eligible students must be full time, degree-seeking undergraduate students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  2. Applicants MUST also be enrolled in the Center’s Western American Studies certificate program.

The 2025-26 application period is CLOSED:

  1. Applications for next academic year, 2026-27 will open on or after November 1st, 2025
  2. To apply, log into the Buff Portal, on or after November 1st, 2025 click on the drop down magnifying glass icon / hamburger menu option to the left of the screen and select "Finances."
  3. From there, click on the "Scholarship" system link (graduation cap icon) and, when available, search the word “Beardsley.”
  4. Follow the instructions from there.

The Story Behind the Scholarship

The Beardsley Family Scholarship was established in 2013 to honor the memory of George Beardsley, a Center of the American West board member and community leader dedicated to the American West. During his time on the board, George advocated for reaching out to motivated students who could benefit from engagement with the Center. His widow, Pam Beardsley, created this scholarship to provide financial support to students with a passion for learning about and working on Western American topics and issues.

Beardsley Family Scholarship Quotes

 

 

“When he met someone new he’d ask them about 100 questions. He was a no-nonsense guy in the office, but had a subtle, dry sense of humor.”

- George Beardsley’s longtime friend, Clay Boelz

 

 

 

 

Fletcher Lucas Headshot

 

My name is Fletcher and I'm from Denver. I'm a CAMW Certificate Student, an ENVS Major and Geology Minor. Growing up in Colorado, I've really grown to appreciate the natural beauty of my state as well as the west as a whole. Which has also given me more interest in the people and its complicated history. I love hiking, camping, road trips, and when I get the opportunity whitewater rafting. I also love reading about the West, some of my favorite books being Kevin Fedarko's The Emerald Mile, Morgan Sjogren's Path of Light, and Edward Abbey's The Monkey Wrench Gang. I'm thankful for the opportunity to receive the Beardsley Scholarship and I look forward to using it to aid my studies in this wondrous place that I call home.

Fletcher Lucas - 2025 Beardlsey Scholarship Winner