“A man cannot leave a better legacy to the world than a well-educated family.”
– Thomas Scott
ABOUT THE
Jeffrey Alan Basinger Leadership Scholarship
The Jeffrey Alan Basinger Leadership Scholarship has been established by The Basinger Leadership Scholarship Committee, and is managed by the Colorado Mesa University Foundation, to promote the educational pursuits of LGBTQ+ students in need of financial aid to improve their lives, and ultimately their communities. The Basinger Leadership Scholarship Committee encourages applications from individuals regardless of age, race, or gender expression. Scholarships will be granted for use at Colorado Mesa University or Western Colorado Community College. Awards, which will be announced at a later date, can only be payable to these accredited institutions.
Scholarship Criteria
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD, A STUDENT MUST
- plan to or be enrolled at Colorado Mesa University or Western Colorado Community College
- self-identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer)
- be enrolled full time and shall have and maintain a 2.5 GPA;
- be a resident from one of these western Colorado counties: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Jackson, Lake, La Plata, Mesa, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, Routt, Rio Blanco, San Juan, San Miguel, or Summit;
- demonstrate financial need;
- agree to meet with the representatives of the Basinger Scholarship Committee if selected for an award;
Applicant Essay Instructions
Jeffrey Basinger died in 2018 and this scholarship honors his work and memory. Basinger was a long-time resident in Grand Junction and an activist and health educator. In 1992, Basinger helped to found the Common Decency Coalition (later Western Equality), the first LGBTQ+ rights organization in western Colorado. As a gay man living with HIV, he also was a tireless advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS helping to found the Western Colorado AIDS Project. We ask that you keep Basinger’s legacy in mind as you respond to one of the following in a short essay.
- People living in the LGBTQ+ communities, or those who live with HIV/AIDS, continue to face stigma. In an essay, lay out some strategies to help reduce this stigma.
- When you think about the future, what does it look like? If you choose this option, make sure to directly address the issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals or communities.
Select the Jeff Basinger Leadership Scholarship
Jeff's Life & Legacy
Learn about Jeff and his contributions to this community.
Donate
The Basinger Leadership Scholarship is managed by the CMU Foundation. Your tax-deductible donation will help develop LGBTQ+ youth leaders in western Colorado. To give, click the link below to visit the CMU Foundation website and In the drop-down menu, choose “Other” and type in “Jeff Basinger Leadership Scholarship”
Help Create a new Generation of Leaders
The Basinger Leadership Scholarship Committee invites you to help us with a generous donation. Our goal is to see this scholarship permanently endowed so awards can be distributed yearly, in perpetuity, to deserving LGBTQ+ students. Please help us continue Jeff’s life affirming work by making your tax deductible gift today!
In the drop-down menu, choose “Other” and type in “Jeff Basinger Scholarship”