Bliss First-Generation Scholars
Bliss First-Generation Scholars
Bliss Endowed Scholarship for First-Generation Students
Please scroll down to the bottom see scholarship eligibility requirements.
The Stewart and Shirley Bliss Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by former Colorado Senator and U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar in honor of Stewart and Shirley Bliss. Ken headed a vast agency whose bureaus manage water, fish, wildlife, mining, public lands and national parks. Stewart Bliss is a Senior Consultant with a broad range of expertise in the areas of business, governmental affairs and mergers and acquisitions with specific emphasis on energy, technology and industrial distribution corporations. Stewart Bliss was appointed to the Mines Board of Trustees in 2010. The scholarship was established for the purpose of providing awards to incoming freshman who are first generation students.
“Support for first-generation students is not only important for Mines, it’s important for our society.”
- Scholarship Components and Expectations
- Scholarship Eligibility
- How To Apply & Timeline
- Application Questions
The Bliss Scholarship Program offers scholars up to $6,000 annually depending on eligibility. Funds may be used for expenses including tuition, books, fees and room and board. The scholarship is renewable up to four years.
The Bliss Scholarship is a tight-knit student community. Students meet regularly for professional development workshops, guest lectures, and social events.
Bliss Scholars also benefit from wraparound support, one-on-one advising, and specialized professional development events through the PASCAL Center.
Applicant Requirements
- First-generation college student (first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree).
- Demonstrate a commitment to community and supporting other first generation college students at Mines.
- Students must submit a FAFSA or CASFA as part of their application to the Office of Financial Aid.
The Bliss Scholar Program honors a diversity of strengths, identities, interests, and backgrounds. If you feel that you meet the requirements listed above, we would be delighted to learn more about you through your application. If you have additional questions about the Bliss Scholarship program, please contact us at pascal@mines.edu.
Colorado School of Mines Scholarship Disclaimer
We encourage students to apply for all available scholarships for which they are eligible. However, students may be restricted from participating in multiple scholarship cohorts. If a student is selected for more than one scholarship, the student may be required to select their top choice. Once scholarship offers are made, guidance will be provided to the student and family to assist with this choice, if applicable.
- Please complete the Mines General Scholarship Application.
- Please respond to the two Bliss scholarship questions on the scholarship portal. Questions can be found on the “Application Questions” tab.
Important Dates and Deadlines:
- Application opens: December 15, 2025
- Application deadline: Monday, March 1, 2026
Please respond concisely to the following two short answer prompts. We value quality over quantity.
- Beyond earning a degree, what values or unique opportunities do you, as a first-generation student, hope to gain from your college experience? (Max 600 words)
- Describe a moment when you made a meaningful impact on another student or peer. What inspired you to act, and what did you learn about yourself or your community through that experience? (Max 600 words)