Epic Scholars 2024

Independent students, such as those who had experience in foster care or with childhood instability, are some of the most vulnerable students on campus. They are responsible for financially supporting themselves and do not rely on others, such as parents or guardians, for assistance. To help serve independent students, Metropolitan State University of Denver established the Epic Scholars Program in 2018 to provide financial assistance and meaningful support to independent students, including those who were emancipated, unaccompanied and/or former foster youth.  Since then, the program has graduated over 100 Epic Scholars and has built an important community with a sense of identity, solidarity, and belonging.

Every year, the Epic Scholars are overwhelmed by the incredible support received by the MSU Denver community during the Day of Giving campaign. As part of telling our story, the Epic Scholar Peer Leaders have been involved in Participatory Action Research (PAR) with Dr. Erin Boyce to provide better support for independent students on campus. The peer leaders have been essential team members involved in surveying, data analysis, focus groups, and yearly evaluation to make the Epic program better for Scholars over time. This research suggests that Epic Scholars have more connections, a deeper sense of belonging in the campus community, better access to resources, and higher academic success than independent students outside of the Epic cohort.

This year for Day of Giving, we are raising funds to continue some critical supports that Epic Scholars rely on when times get tough or unexpected challenges arise. Epic Scholars are eligible to apply for mini-grants including funds for Extra Curricular activities that enrich their college experience (intermural sports, college trips such as the Outdoor Pursuits trip to Moab, etc), Professional Development opportunities that advance them towards their goals (driving lessons, GRE preparation, certificates or trainings), and Professional Dress for new job opportunities. Additionally, Epic Scholars have had the opportunity to have the program fund their Graduation Photos which is an opportunity to document a huge milestone for them and their loved ones that is often out of reach due to lack of funds. Graduation is already an expensive time so we have pledged to take care of this important experience thanks to campus photograph Aly McClaran.

Donations made to Epic for Day of Giving will be split between our mini-grants and graduation photos to ensure that these resources are available for next year’s Epic Scholars. Any gifts given in excess will be used by the Epic Scholars to provide support to our students for any hardships they may face. 

By giving to Epic scholars, we want to thank you by giving you the following incentives:

• With a gift $40 you will receive a an Epic T-shirt.
• With a gift of $80 or more, you will receive an Thank you video from Epic Scholars and an Epic T-shirt.
• With a gift of $200 of more, you will receive an invitation to the end of the year Epic Scholars BBQ, a thank you video and an Epic T-shirt.