Foundation
We support many programs to further its mission of providing opportunities, offering options, and recognizing excellence. Programs are designed to support RRC students, faculty, and and staff in a variety of ways.
The RRCC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 1991 with the vision of removing the financial barrier and helping students of all income levels to have access to higher education. Now, more than 28 years later, generous supporters have provided more than $17 million in donations allowing the Foundation to award more than 6.4 million dollars in scholarships and over 5.6 million dollars for other Red Rocks Community College programs, and assisted nearly 3,800 students in meeting their educational and life goals.
In addition to its extensive and award-winning Foundation Scholarship Program, the RRCC Foundation is engaged in several other program areas, including the Faculty Teaching Chairs, the Foundation Board of Director's Innovation Grant Program, the Mini-Grants and Dr. Agneta Albinsson Grants, Employee Book Fund, and supporting other college initiatives. The Foundation continues to meet its goals with help from generous supporters who believe in the transformative power of education (link is external).
To support Red Rocks Community College in its commitment to students, learning, and excellence.
The Red Rocks Community College Foundation supports many programs to further its mission of providing opportunities, offering options, and recognizing excellence. Programs are designed to support RRCC students, faculty, and staff in a variety of ways.
Red Rocks Community College Foundation
13300 W. Sixth Ave.
Campus Box 1
Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: 303.914.6308
Fax: 303.914.6318
Office Location:
Lakewood campus, Room 1133
The Red Rocks Employee Book Fund supports the professional and educational development of RRCC employees who are eligible for Employee Tuition Assistance as determined by the college's benefits policy. Qualifying employees may apply for grants up to $50 per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) to cover the cost of textbooks for classes taken at Red Rocks Community College. To request reimbursement submit this form, along with appropriate documentation, to the RRCC Foundation for approval and reimbursement. In all cases, proof of payment (i.e. a bookstore receipt) is required. Click here for the Book Fund Application.
The Red Rocks Employee Book Fund supports the professional and educational development of RRCC employees who are eligible for Employee Tuition Assistance as determined by the college's benefits policy.
Qualifying employees may apply for grants up to $50 per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) to cover the cost of textbooks for classes taken at Red Rocks Community College. Any class scheduled during work hours must be pre-approved by the employee’s supervisor and appropriate Dean/Vice President.
To request reimbursement submit this form (below), along with appropriate documentation, to the RRCC Foundation for approval and reimbursement. In all cases, proof of payment (i.e. a bookstore receipt) is required. Forms are also available at the Foundation Office (room 1133) or by phone at 303.914.6308.
Adjunct Tuition Reimbursement is provided by the RRCC Foundation in support of Adjunct Faculty working at Red Rocks Community College who wish to extend their knowledge and to enhance their teaching capacity. The Adjunct Tuition Reimbursement Application is always open and can be found HERE.
Established in 2013, the purpose of the fund is to support professional development opportunities for individuals teaching in the RRCC science and healthcare programs. The fund was established by Dr. Agneta Albinsson and her husband Mats Wahlstrom to aid RRCC in its ability to attract and retain highly skilled teachers in these important academic areas. Only Full-time Faculty and Adjunct Instructor in Health, Science, and Math are eligible to apply. The application period is open until Monday, May 1st. Applications submitted outside of the application period are disqualified and will not be considered. CLICK HERE for the application.
The Foundation Mini-Grant Program provides staff, full-time faculty and part-time instructors the opportunity to develop projects in areas including, but not limited to: enhanced student learning and performance; curriculum development; innovative uses of technology; development of instructional activities; development of alternative fiscal resources; professional development; the purchase of instructional equipment/technology; or other projects that would not normally be funded by area or departmental budgets.
All staff, full-time faculty and part-time instructors are eligible to apply for a Mini-Grant. Funded projects must be completed within one year of the award. Funds can be used for curriculum development, professional development, an instructional activity, or the purchase of instructional equipment. Collaboration on proposals is encouraged.
Please contact the foundation for more information.
The goal of the Faculty, Staff, and Student Employee of the Month Awards Program is to recognize members of the RRCC community who embody the vision, mission and values of the college. Recipients must be currently employed the month they receive their award. A joint effort of the RRCC Foundation and RRCC Personnel Office, one award in each category is given each month.
Winners in the Faculty and Staff of the Month categories receive a $100 cash award; Student Employee of the Month winners receive a $75 cash award. All winners are announced via campus-wide e-mail and are invited to attend a RRCC Foundation Board of Directors meeting for presentation of an award certificate.
Nominations are due to the Personnel Department on the 15th of the month (or the closest business day after). Current faculty, staff, and students can make nominations. Nominations are sent to the selection committee for final decisions. This committee is made up of one volunteer from the classified staff, one from the admin/tech-pro staff, and one member of the faculty.
The Red Rocks Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to supporting Red Rocks Community College in its commitment to students, learning, and excellence. Since 1993, the Foundation Scholarship Program has aided over 3,000 students realize their dreams of going to college. The RRCC Foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships based on both need and merit. An applicant’s grades, academic and professional goals, financial need, community service, and special circumstances are all evaluated in the awarding process. A complete list of Foundation Scholarship Program Policies can be found at the bottom of this page.
Scholarship Applications can be found Online at RRCC.ACADEMICWORKS.COM.
10 Tips for Students Applying to a Foundation Scholarship
If you are experiencing any issues creating an account, logging in, or have any questions on the application please contact us at: scholarships@rrcc.edu or 303.914.6425
Completion of this application does not guarantee a scholarship award. All eligible applications submitted by the deadline will be evaluated on a number of criteria including need and merit. The RRCC Foundation reserves the right to extend the filing period at the discretion of the Executive Director. Final decision-making rights regarding scholarship selections are held by the RRCC Foundation Executive Director. RRCC Foundation scholarships are funded by gifts from private donors and do not include public funds. Institutional scholarships and other awards administered through the RRCC Foundation may include public funds and will have specified additional criteria. A copy of the College's Scholarship Policy can be found online.
Notification of Applicants: Response letters are sent to all applicants regarding award status by the end of May.
Disclaimer: A Red Rocks Community College or Red Rocks Community College Foundation scholarship will only be valid for students enrolled at this college. Red Rocks Community College defines “full-time” enrollment as 12 credit hours per semester. Annual scholarships are defined as fall and spring semesters in the same academic year. Scholarship students who receive need-based financial aid or other additional awards may recognize a reduction to their original financial aid award.
Students receiving scholarships are expected to maintain a RRCC minimum GPA and minimum enrollment. Recipients must fulfill the requirements of the scholarship as listed in the notification letter to fully utilize the award during the academic year. If the scholarship student drops below the minimum GPA during any semester, a discontinuance of the scholarship may result. Additionally, the student may be required to provide reimbursement for current awards issued.
RRCC Tuition Reimbursement-Eligible Employees: All tuition reimbursement-eligible RRCC employees (Employment Categories: ATP, FAC, CLA, ADJ) should refer to BP3-60, as any scholarship monies you receive will be used prior to your tuition benefit. The RRCC Foundation strongly discourages benefits-eligible employees from applying to this program as their employee benefits will not be used if a scholarship is granted.
Withdrawal Policy: In the event, a scholarship recipient drops or withdraws from a course after it has been paid by a scholarship award, the student may be held financially responsible to the college and/or Foundation for those costs. Additionally, future scholarships disbursements may be rescinded. The RRCC Foundation Executive Director has final decision-making rights regarding rescinding or revoking scholarship awards.
Nondiscrimination Statement: Red Rocks Community College is committed to diversity in its people and programs. The College is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex/gender, sexual orientation gender identity, religion, age, national/ ethnic origin, pregnancy status, veteran’s status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by applicable law, in its employment practices or educational programs and activities.
The Foundation does not currently have any open scholarship opportunities for the upcoming fall 22 and spring 23 semesters. Our Foundation scholarships have been awarded out to students for the 22/23 academic year.
Fall 2023- Spring 2024 Eligibility Requirements include, but are not limited to:
You can begin to work on your scholarship application for fall 23/spring 24 as soon as November 4, 2022.
All materials must be received by 11:59 PM on March 3, 2023.
Students will be emailed their award status by the end of May 2023.
Yes. You will need to write an up to 750-word essay about yourself. The specific prompt is available as part of the scholarship application. We hold workshops each spring to help you prepare your essay.
All applicants for RRCC Foundation Scholarships need to submit contact information for one reference who is not a family member. We will contact your reference by email. You can manage your references through the online scholarship system, AcademicWorks, by clicking the references tab while the application period is open (no edits can be made after the deadline). The references tab only appears once you have submitted at least one reference. Let your reference know you have used their email, so that they can be aware an email is coming with the reference piece.
Scholarships are typically $1,500 - $2,500, but they can go as high as $5,500.
All awarded scholarships from the application period are for use during the fall 2023 and spring 2024 academic semesters at RRCC.
RRCC Foundation Scholarships can only be used for your enrollment as a student at RRCC. RRCC Foundation Scholarship do not travel with you to any other higher education institution.
All financial aid (scholarship included) is subject to federal and state rules. At RRCC that means yes, a scholarship could affect your financial aid if your total amount of financial aid for any one school year meets or exceeds your cost of attendance. You’ll know when this happens because the RRCC Financial Aid Office will contact you about it with choices on what you want to do.
There are scholarships for every major.
Hold the phone! Why not give it a chance? Many students find themselves surprised every year. Feel free to stop by our office if you have any questions about your eligibility.
American Building Supply Foundation Scholarship
American Subcontractors Association Scholarship
Anschutz Foundation Matching Scholarship
Applewood Plumbing and Heating Scholarship
Jeffrey Kevin Arbuckle Memorial Endowed
Arvada Elks Community Scholarship
Asian Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
Barber Nichols, Inc. Endowed Scholarship
Be The Change Scholarship
Bob and Margaret Barber Family Endowed Scholarship
Boundless Opportunity Scholarship
Boys and Girls Club Scholarship
Brookfield Properties Scholarship
Cheryl A. Burgett Memorial Scholarship
Mildred Campbell Endowed Scholarship
Career Stepping Stone Scholarship
Chief George Goldbach Memorial Scholarship
Clear the Air Foundation Scholarship
Harlan and Lois Anderson Family Foundation Scholarship
City of Arvada Scholarship
Cody and Shelby Allen Memorial Scholarship
Collier Family Scholarship - Physician Assistant
Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative
Daniels Fund Opportunity Award
Distributing Dinero for Wisdom Scholarship
Early Ford V-8 Club in honor of Dennis Vanderhoof
Education is Power Scholarship
The Encouragement Scholarship
Engineering Graphics Scholarship
Exceptional Learners Scholarship
FirstBank of Colorado Scholarship
Gardner Family Foundation Scholarship - ECE
Thomas Glennon Memorial Scholarship - Fire/EMS
Golden Civic Foundation Scholarship
Bill & Elaine Hartong Scholarship
Jacquie Haughton Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Gwyn Green Memorial Scholarship
Tyler Hagaman Memorial Scholarship
Harvey Family Foundation Scholarship
Hazelrigg Family Endowed Scholarship
Lois and Robert Hellstern Memorial Scholarship
Help For Your Future Scholarship
Joan L. Hess Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Dorothy Horrell Presidential Scholarship
I Believe I Can Fly Scholarship
I Know You Can Do It Scholarship
Helen Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Jacobs Reinventing Tomorrow Scholarship
The Jefferson High School Class of 1969 Memorial Scholarship
The Mr. J (Alan L. Jobobsen) ScholarshipJohnson Foundation Financial Aid Program
Johnson Foundation of the Rockies Scholarship
Kaiser Permanente Challenge Scholarship
Clarence and Rose Keffeler Scholarship
Michelle Keller Memorial Scholarship
Kingdom Enlightenment Foundation Scholarship
Harold and Lillian LaFleur Endowed Scholarship
Lillian LaFleur Scholarship
Harry & Cris Mathews Family Scholarship
McKee Family Foundation Scholarship
Tom McMahon Memorial Scholarship - Construction
Al & Mindy Meiklejohn Endowed Scholarship
Menk Family Endowed Scholarship
Les & Sue Metzger Scholarship
National Association of Women in Construction Scholarship
The Miss Nobis (Maralee J. Nobis-Jocobsen) Scholarship
Elissa Notarianni-Ditto Endowed Scholarship – Math/Science
Pay it Forward Scholarship
P.E.O. Sisterhood, GW Chapter
Phoenix Scholarship
Donna Remley Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Cliff Richardson Scholarship
Rolling Hills Country Club Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Red Rocks Community College Alumni Give Back Scholarship
Red Rocks Community College Foundation Scholarship
Red Rocks Community College 40th Anniversary Scholarship
Reul Family Endowed Scholarship
Rocky Mountain Pipeliners Scholarship
Rodriguez Baker Scholarship for the Arts
Theodore C. Sandquist Endowed Scholarship
Matthew Scheel Memorial Scholarship
Schiebout Family Endowed Scholarship
John & Yasuko Shimizu Endowed Scholarship
Slinger Family Scholarship
The Student Voice Endowed Scholarship
Stipech Scholarship
“Swede” Johnson Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Peter Titus Memorial Scholarship
Harry Trueblood Foundation Scholarship
Transportation Girl Scholarship
Together We Thrive Scholarship
Water Quality Management & Treatment Scholarship
Student success is directly influenced by faculty excellence. Red Rocks Community College strives to deliver an exceptional educational experience to all students by recruiting, recognizing, and rewarding exceptional faculty. The RRCC Foundation Teaching Chair Program, the only multi-year faculty award in the Colorado Community College System, is a meaningful way of recognizing and awarding outstanding faculty. The Mike Leprino Family and Coors Brewing Company endowed the first two chairs in 2001.
Recipients of a RRCC Teaching Chair Award are selected from full-time faculty following a portfolio review and initial screening by a panel of faculty representatives. The panel then forwards a list of finalists to the RRCC Foundation Board of Directors for final selection. Each recipient is awarded a three-year salary enhancement of $5,000 per year in addition to $2,500 per year for professional development.
Student success is directly influenced by faculty excellence. Red Rocks Community College strives to deliver an exceptional educational experience to all students by recruiting, recognizing, and rewarding exceptional faculty. The RRCC Foundation Teaching Chair Program, the only multi-year faculty award in the Colorado Community College System, is a meaningful way of recognizing and awarding outstanding faculty. The Mike Leprino Family and Coors Brewing Company endowed the first two chairs in 2001.
Recipients of a RRCC Teaching Chair Award are selected from full-time faculty following a portfolio review and initial screening by a panel of faculty representatives. The panel then forwards a list of finalists to the RRCC Foundation Board of Directors for final selection. Each recipient is awarded a three-year salary enhancement of $5,000 per year in addition to $2,500 per year for professional development.
Faculty may download a nomination form or application packet or pick one up in person at the Foundation Office (room 1133).
An Endowed Teaching Chair may be established with a gift or pledge of $100,000 and continues in perpetuity. A Named Teaching Chair may be established with a gift of $22,500. Teaching Chair donors are recognized in many ways for their generous support of faculty and educational excellence. Donor recognition includes naming rights, permanent recognition on the Teaching Chair wall at the RRCC Lakewood campus, recognition in RRCC publications, and an invitation to the Foundation's annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon. For more information regarding making a donation in support of the Teaching Chair Program, contact RRCC Foundation Executive Director Ron Slinger at 303.914.6417.
2021-2023 Teaching Chair Recipient
Jenning Prevatte, Early Childhood Education
The Student Voice Endowed Teaching Chair
2020-2022 Teaching Chair Recipient
Sally Cirincione, Outdoor Education
Swede Johnson/Coors Endowed Teaching Chair
2019-2021 Teaching Chair Recipient
Elyse Marsh, English
Mike Leprino Family Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair
2018-2020 Teaching Chair Recipient
Brenda Forland, Math
The Student Voice Endowed Teaching Chair
2017-2019 Teaching Chair Recipient
Brandon English, Chemistry
Swede Johnson/Coors Endowed Teaching Chair
2016-2018 Teaching Chair Recipient
Stina French, English
Mike Leprino Family Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair
2015-2017 Teaching Chair Recipient
Merri Mattison, Sociology
The Student Voice Endowed Teaching Chair
2014-2016 Teaching Chair Recipient
Berndt Savig, Art
Swede Johnson/Coors Endowed Teaching Chair
2013-2015 Teaching Chair Recipient
Wendy Bird, Business
Mike Leprino Family Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair
2012-2014 Teaching Chair Recipient
Heather Duncan, Math
The Student Voice Endowed Teaching Chair
2011-2013 Teaching Chair Recipient
Fawn Oates, Psychology
Swede Johnson/Coors Endowed Teaching Chair
2010-2012 Teaching Chair Recipient
Paul Gallagher, English
Mike Leprino Family Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair
2009-2011 Teaching Chair Recipient
Dr. Sherry Messina Dewald, Communications
Board of Director's Teaching Chair
2008-2010 Teaching Chair Recipients
Dr. Stephanie Berg Oram, Music
The Student Voice Endowed Teaching Chair
Steve Kaye, Biology
Swede Jonson/Coors Endowed Teaching Chair
2007-2009 Teaching Chair Recipients
Amy Braziller, English
Mike Leprino Family Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair
Marjorie Berman, History
The Student Voice Endowed Teaching Chair
2006-2008 Teaching Chair Recipients
Dr. Elizabeth Kleinfeld, English
Rolling Hills Country Club Foundation Teaching Chair
Chuck Smith, Math
“Friend of Red Rocks” Teaching Chair
2005-2007 Teaching Chair Recipients
Terry Reeves, Math
Dr. Eric E. Reno Teaching Chair
Dr. Cindy Somers, Chemistry
Swede Johnson/Coors Endowed Teaching Chair
2004-2006 Teaching Chair Recipients
Dr. Kerry Edwards, Philosophy
RRCC Foundation Teaching Chair
Rick Reeves, Math
The Student Voice Endowed Teaching Chair
2003-2005 Teaching Chair Recipients
Pamela Jamruszka Mencher, Theater Arts
RRCC Bookstore Teaching Chair
Joey Spillyards
Engineering Graphics & Mechanical Technology
RRCC Foundation Teaching Chair
2002-2004 Teaching Chair Recipients
Candace Garrod Computer Technology
Swede Johnson/Coors Endowed Teaching Chair
Jack Stanesco, Natural Sciences
Mike Leprino Family Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair
Red Rocks Community College Foundation features an Annual Report at the end of every year. The RRCC Foundation Annual Report gives insight into foundation programs.
For more on our publications please contact Foundation staff at foundation@rrcc.edu or 303-914-6308.
Thank you! With your support we’ve done some amazing things for our students and community. If you’re not a donor yet you can always join us in making Red Rocks an even better place to learn, grow, and succeed by donating now.
The important work of the Red Rocks Community College Foundation wouldn't be possible without the generosity of the many individual and business supporters who make annual donations to the Foundation.
Your donation can be made to a specific area such as scholarships, teaching chair awards, or you can choose to direct your donation to the unrestricted Fund for Excellence, which funds a variety of needs at the college.
Online: You can donate online any time through our Colorado Gives Portal.
By phone or email: Contact us at 303.914.6308 or foundation@rrcc.edu. All major credit cards can be accepted by phone.
Create Your Own Scholarship
To be more involved in the way your gift is used at the RRCC Foundation you can designate your gift to establish an annual commitment of only $2,000 per year you can establish your very own named scholarship. Your impact will transform lives!
Establish a named Endowment Fund
The RRCC Foundation creates permanently invested named endowment funds starting at $10,000. The income generated by that investment is used for the purpose you wish to support. A portion of the income is reinvested each year, enabling the endowment to grow and provide a permanent stream of income over time.
Join the Legacy Society
The Legacy Society recognizes those donors who have included the RRCC Foundation in their estate plans. By doing this, they are able to create a lasting legacy to illustrate the power of changing lives through education. Legacy gifts often times enable the donor to make a transformational difference to the college and our students. Please contact the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, Red Rocks Community College.
Set Up a Monthly Gift
You can set up your monthly gift online anytime using our Colorado Gives Portal.
Establish An Endowed Teaching Chair
An Endowed Teaching Chair may be established with a gift or pledge of $100,000 and continues in perpetuity. A Named Teaching Chair may be established with a gift of $22,500. Teaching Chair donors are recognized in many ways for their generous support of faculty and educational excellence. Donor recognition includes naming rights, permanent recognition on the Teaching Chair wall at the RRCC Lakewood campus, recognition in RRCC publications, and an invitation to the Foundation's annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon. For more information regarding making a donation in support of the Teaching Chair Program, contact Foundation staff at foundation@rrcc.edu or 303-914-6308
A Scholarship Reviewer is typically assigned around 10 scholarship applications to review and score using established review criteria and a scoring rubric. Each application takes approximately 30 minutes, on average, to read and score. Applications include transcripts, general personal and academic information, one or two recommendation letters, and a short essay. Applications are vetted by RRCC Foundation staff prior to review to ensure that the student meets the basic eligibility requirements for the scholarship program for which they have applied. NO experience necessary, training is provided.
Commitment of time: 4-5 hours to be completed between: Mid-April to Mid-May
Location: Individually online or facilitated group sessions at RRCC.
You can become a Scholarship Reviewer by contacting us at scholarships@rrcc.edu .
In support of Red Rocks Community College, the RRCC Foundation regularly collaborates with individuals and organizations to pursue mutually beneficial opportunities and address common challenges.
To begin your partnership with the Red Rocks Community College Foundation please contact Foundation staff at foundation@rrcc.edu or 303-914-6308
RRCC Foundation Board of Directors are actively involved in public relations and fundraising for the Red Rocks Community College Foundation. The Board of Directors is responsible and accountable to the Foundation’s donors, constituents, and the community at large.
Cinthia R. Andrews
Kristen Anderson
John Bandimere
Kevin Bervik
Tim Bradley
Tim Campbell
Tom Clark
Paula Claussen
Carl Craig
Jim Dascalos
Jerry Donahue
Dave Donaldson
Cameron Douthitt
Fred F. Emich, III
William Fortune
Bob Frie
Wendell Gardner
James Garner
Gordon Garrett
Don Gray
Michael Hamel
Jacquie Haughton
Dorothy Horrell
Gary Hutchinson
Swede Johnson
Jan Koshio
Keith Krickbaum
Darrel W. Lathrop
Laura Leprino
Virgnia Lewis
Cris Mathews
Bert Mizke
Ruth Montoya
Linda Morton
Aldo G. Notarianni
Chuck Ochsner
Skip Olsen
Jane Petrie
James Petrock
Jim Raughton
Dr. Eric Reno
Robert Rogers
Carol Salzmann
Ted Sandquist
Shaw Schuer
Bill Shanley
Bill Shanley
Robert Short
Harold Smethills
Greg Stevinson
Mara Swan
Edward Szydlowski
Ann Thacker
Shelley Thompson
Dan Thoren
John Trefney
Richard A. Walter
Stuart Wheeler
Jim Whitfield
Robert Whitfield, Sr.
James D. Willard
Joe Williams
Bill Woodall
Duane Youse