BOLD Scholarships

The BOLD (Broadening Opportunity through Leadership and Diversity) scholarships are designed to advance student success in engineering through a holistic approach that integrates financial support with high-impact learning practices. Rooted in research-based strategies shown to increase engagement, retention and graduation rates—particularly in STEM fields—BOLD scholarships provide more than just financial support: they open doors to a vibrant, supportive community and a wide range of transformative experiences. 

In addition to financial awards, BOLD scholars join a dynamic network of staff, faculty, and peer mentors committed to fostering academic excellence, leadership growth, and professional readiness. Scholars gain access to tailored workshops, career development events, networking opportunities and leadership experiences that directly contribute to their confidence, skill development and long-term success. 

BOLD scholarships are participation-based, meaning scholars commit to active involvement in co-curricular programming designed to enhance their academic and professional journey. Each scholarship opportunity has specific engagement requirements to ensure that students are gaining meaningful experiences that translate into measurable outcomes—such as stronger academic performance, cultivated professional networks, and enhanced career preparedness.  

BOLD partners with a range of CU Boulder programs—including the Lattice Scholars Program, CU Boulder’s First-Generation Scholars Program, CU Lead Alliance and the Denver Scholarship Foundation—to provide layered support and expanded opportunities for scholars. 

Questions regarding BOLD Scholarship Requirements can be sent to BOLD-Scholarships@colorado.edu. 

  BOLD Pre-Arrival Program 2025 

The BOLD scholarships program application is part of the CU General Scholarship Application, and is open to all undergraduate engineering students to apply.   

This scholarship program does not discriminate based on protected class as outlined by CU’s non-discrimination policy. 

How do I apply?

All BOLD scholarships will be housed in the CU General Scholarship Application.

The BOLD Center offers a BOLD Center Scholarship. Students complete one College of Engineering Scholarship Application to be considered for a variety of scholarship opportunities within the college. Applications are considered starting March 15th and continue on a rolling basis until scholarship funds are exhausted. 

For consideration for a BOLD scholarship, applicants must follow a two-step process:

1.Complete the CU General Scholarship Application

You will be prompted to complete the CU General Scholarship Application first. This application is used for multiple scholarships and requires information about extracurricular activities, community service, work and an essay. 

You cannot submit the College of Engineering Scholarship Application until you have submitted the CU General Scholarship Application.

To Access the Application:

  • Prospective Students can access this application as soon as they have applied to CU through their Admissions Application Status page.
  • Current and Admitted students can reach this application through their Buff Portal.

2.Complete the College of Engineering Scholarship Application and indicate interest in BOLD scholarships.

After you submit the CU General Scholarship Application, additional recommended scholarship opportunities may display, including the College of Engineering Scholarship Application. On the application, please check the box to indicate “I am interested in BOLD scholarship” and answer the supplemental essay question(s). 

When do I apply?

Timeline:

  • November 1 - CU Boulder General Scholarship Application and the College of Engineering Scholarship Application open
  • Mid-March of each year - BOLD Scholarship Application Priority Deadline
  • First week of September - College of Engineering Scholarship Application Closes 

Students can continue to apply for College of Engineering Scholarships even after the CU general Scholarship Application deadline has passed on March 15 or June 15, for incoming Transfer students), but we highly recommend students complete the CU general Scholarship Application by these deadlines for maximum scholarship consideration. 

You do not need to wait for your admission decision to apply. If you are applying to the College of Engineering and Applied Science, then please apply early! 

Award:
The BOLD Center Scholarship Award is guaranteed at the amount of $4,000 per year for up to four years or 8 semesters as long as you maintain eligibility. Furthermore, students with financial need may be eligible for an additional award of up to $4,000 per year.

First-year Scholars have the following requirements:

  • Meet with scholarship advisor once per semester.
  • New Scholars attend the Pre-Arrival Program (early move-in for first-year students).
  • First-year students live on campus in the BOLD community of Engineering Connections in Williams Village North.
  • Participate as an active member of a BOLD Center affinity-based student society each semester.
  • Meet with a Peer Mentor once a month.
    • Peer mentors help students by sharing their experiences on what it takes to be a successful CU Engineering student, connecting students to campus resources and by being a caring member of the BOLD community interested in your success at CU Boulder.
  • Engage in two BOLD Academic Services opportunities and two community engagement events per semester. 

Requirements for all returning Scholars for all years:

  • Enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester as a student in the College of Engineering & Applied Science.
  • Meet with a BOLD Scholarship Advisor once per academic year.
  • Participate as an active member of a BOLD Center affinity-based student society each semester.
  • Participate in four BOLD Center community events, workshops or engagement opportunities each semester.
    • Events need to be BOLD-affiliated.
  • Attend a BOLD orientation once per year.  
  • Maintain "Satisfactory Academic Progress" as specified by the Financial Aid Office.
    • If applicable: Meet with Academic Coach if CU GPA falls below 2.5 and develop Academic Success Plan to utilize BOLD Academic Services and/or other support services.
    • If applicable: Enroll in and complete COEN 2880-1 Fresh Start for Success if placed on Academic Alert or Academic Warning. 

The Engineering GoldShirt Scholarship Program has served as a transformative access initiative, providing a critical pathway for talented, high-potential students to pursue engineering degrees. By offering a supportive cohort model alongside personalized academic, community, and professional development resources, the program has fostered a strong sense of belonging and empowered scholars to thrive in engineering.  

Since its inception, GoldShirt has not only expanded access to engineering education but also enriched the broader college community. As the program concludes at the end of the 2025–26 academic year—coinciding with the anticipated graduation of its final cohort—its legacy will endure through the many scholars who have gone on to become leaders in engineering and beyond.