SCHOLARSHIP
The Shyolanda Brown Family Foundation Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship program available to one of Denver metro-area’s exceptional, African-American high school student athletes with financial need seeking to attend a 4-year college or university.
Brown Scholars receive $1,500 per year for 4 years, at total of $6,000.
Congrats
2021 Scholarship Recipient
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Milan Richman, an Overland High School graduate, is studying Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University. In May 2021, she became the first recipient of the Shyolanda Brown Family Foundation Scholarship. She was a varsity diver and gymnast throughout high school.
Congrats
2022 Scholarship Recipient
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Melaku Saketa, a Thomas Jefferson High School graduate, is studying Engineering at the University of Denver. In May 2022, he became the second recipient of the Shyolanda Brown Family Foundation Scholarship. He competed in soccer and track & field throughout high school.
Congrats
2023 Scholarship Recipient
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Dagem Tadesse, a Regis Jesuit High School graduate, is studying Computer Science at the University of Denver. In May 2023, he became the third recipient of the Shyolanda Brown Family Foundation Scholarship. He played soccer throughout high school.
Congrats
2024 Scholarship Recipient
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Maya Richman, a proud graduate of Overland High School, is currently pursuing a dual major in Spanish and Psychology at Arizona State University. In May 2024, she was honored as the fourth recipient of the prestigious Shyolanda Brown Family Foundation Scholarship. During her high school years, Maya was a dedicated athlete, actively competing in swim & dive, soccer, and gymnastics.
Congrats
2025 Scholarship Recipient
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Arrian Harpring, a proud graduate of Legacy High School, is currently pursuing a degree in Health Science with a focus in Pre‑Athletic Training while playing collegiate basketball at CSU Pueblo. In May 2025, he was honored as the fourth recipient of the prestigious Shyolanda Brown Family Foundation Scholarship. During his high school years, Arrian distinguished himself as a dedicated student‑athlete, competing in basketball and serving his community as an EMT student volunteer.
Eligibility Requirements
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One scholarship is available on a competitive basis for applicants who meet the following criteria:
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African-American varsity student-athlete in their senior year of high school
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U.S. citizen or permanent resident living within 50 miles of the Denver metro area
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Plans to enroll full-time at an accredited, not-for-profit, four-year U.S. college or university for the 2025-2026 academic year
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Minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) through the last completed term
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Completed FAFSA or state-based financial aid application (if applicable)
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Know a promising college-bound African-American student-athlete in the Denver metro area who would be a great fit for this scholarship?
Instructions to Apply
Applications open online on March 1, 2026. To apply, students must submit the following materials:
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Full high school transcript
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Two letters of recommendation from non-relatives
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A one-page personal statement (500+ words) answering the following questions:
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The Impact of Sports: How has participating in sports shaped your life, character, and personal growth?
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The Role of This Scholarship: How will receiving this scholarship support your academic and athletic aspirations?
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Your Legacy: What lasting impact do you hope to make in your community, school, or future career?
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Your Student Aid Report (SAR). You can obtain your SAR by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you haven't already done so, at www.fafsa.gov.
Important deadlines and information to note
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Completed applications, including all required materials, are due by April 30, 2026.
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Letters of recommendation must also be submitted by April 30, 2026.
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Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Late submissions will not be accepted.
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Incorrect or incomplete information may affect eligibility.
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The top 3-4 candidates will be interviewed.
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Final award decisions will be made in mid-May.