Puksta Scholar Program Mentor Information
Overview
Each year, students who demonstrate a strong commitment to service and civic responsibility are selected to
join the Puksta Scholars Program. Scholars participate in a rigorous and rewarding program designed to equip
them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to become catalysts for lasting positive change
within their communities. Each Scholar selects an organization or community issue to design a project around.
They work closely with a mentor, the Puksta Program Coordinator and a community partner to develop and
expand this project for each year that they are awarded the Puksta Scholarship.
Puksta Scholars receive a $2500 scholarship per academic year. Students admitted to the program are eligible
to continue their funding for a defined number of semesters depending upon their progress and their class
status at the time of admission: freshmen -- 8 semesters, sophomores -- 6 semesters, and juniors -- 4 semesters.
What is Community Engagement?
Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger
communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and
resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources
with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance
curriculum, teaching, and learning; prepare educated and engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and
civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.
Role of Mentors
Mentors should have:
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A passion for community engagement and involvement with the community
A passion for working with students
A good on-campus network to plug Scholars into
Ability to connect Scholars with community partners
Available to commit to mentor for the duration of the Scholar’s time here at MSU Denver
Mentors will be paired with one to two mentees for the duration of the time that the mentee is part of the
Puksta program. The time commitment for the program is as follows:
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Review and sign off on Puksta Scholar project proposal form, mid-term evaluation and end of the year
project evaluation
Meet at least monthly with your mentee to discuss progress and tasks for their Puksta project
Meet quarterly with the Program Coordinator to discuss mentee progress
Optional attendance at monthly Puksta Scholar events and guest speaker programs
Scholar Profiles
We have a very diverse group of scholars. They represent incoming freshman as well as continuing students.
Various majors are also represented from Human Services, Biology, Political Science and Hospitality just to name
a few. Their interests and community involvement include a variety of areas and community issues including:
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Environment
Medically underserved populations
At-risk youth
Homelessness
Arts
- Undocumented students
- Youth mentoring
- Social Justice
- Advocacy
Mentor Selection Process
As a new Puksta Scholar Mentor you should submit a short letter of intent to the Puksta Scholar Program
Coordinator at campbrya@msudenver.edu . The letter should include your contact information along with the
office/department that you represent and answers to the following questions:
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Why are you interested in becoming a Puksta mentor?
What skills and/or background do you have that would make you a good fit as a mentor?
Describe your on-campus and community network that would aid you in your work with your mentee.
Conclusion
Thank you for considering a mentor position with the Puksta Scholars Program. We are very excited about this
new program and look forward to creating a network of committed individuals to guide - and learn from - our
Puksta Scholars over the next few years.
If you would like more information about the Puksta Scholars Program here at MSU Denver and at other area
schools, please visit the following links:
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http://msudenver.edu/urbanconnect/pukstascholars/
http://pukstafoundation.org/
https://www.facebook.com/puksta.scholars
Thank you!
Ryan Campbell
Puksta Scholars Program Coordinator
Center for Urban Connections
campbrya@msudenver.edu
303-352-7132