The Telluride Foundation has helped students achieve their dreams of attending college since its inception in 2000, and this year the foundation awarded an impressive number of scholarships through its three primary scholarship programs. At graduation and award ceremonies this spring, the foundation awarded scholarships to 16 graduating seniors around the region: seven Chang Chavkin Scholars were awarded up to $420,000 over the next four years, if needed; two Neil Armstrong Scholars were awarded $20,000 each, two Neil Armstrong Merit Scholars were awarded $5,000 each; and five students received Telluride Foundation Scholarships of $2,000 each.
The Neil Armstrong Scholarships recognize seniors planning to major in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field during college and scholars are chosen not only for achievement but also for need and character. At this year’s area high school’s senior awards nights, graduating Telluride senior Keelie Wayland and Ridgway senior Ian Snapp each received the 12th annual $20,000 Neil Armstrong Scholarship. Both candidates were chosen out of a vast pool of stellar applicants among five regional school districts. Wayland will be attending University of Colorado-Boulder, studying psychology. Ian will be attending Colorado Mesa University studying Mechanical Engineering.
The scholarship committee also wanted to recognize the STEM achievements of two other Telluride students, awarding them each a $5,000 Neil Armstrong Merit Scholarship: Bjorn Cristol attending University of Colorado-Boulder, studying chemical engineering, and Wylee Drew attending Amherst College studying biochemistry.
The friends and family of Neil Armstrong created the Neil Armstrong Scholarship Fund to honor the achievements and character of the late American hero and astronaut who died in 2012. The Neil Armstrong Scholarship is awarded each year to a regional high school student pursuing a bachelor of science degree in a STEM field. Students from Telluride, Norwood, Ouray, Ridgway and Nucla/Naturita school districts are eligible to apply.
The Telluride Foundation also provides $2,000 scholarships to recipients who are selected by the administrations of each of the five regional school districts. Seniors receiving the Telluride Foundation Scholarship this year include Mikah Wareham (Norwood), Paxton Caruso (West End), Ella Skoloda (Ouray), Madeline Miller (Ridgway) and Sean McKillop (Telluride).
In addition to the Neil Armstrong and Telluride Foundation scholarships, the foundation also manages the Chang Chavkin Scholars Program. The Chang Chavkin Scholars Program continues to grow, serving first-generation students in nine regional school districts. This year, seven scholars graduated from high school and are preparing to leave the region for six out-of-state colleges and one Colorado college this fall.
"This year, all of our scholars are attending private schools, and all but one are heading to another state for college," said Program Director Valene Baskfield. “One of the program's goals is to support and educate students, so that they attend a school that meets their academic ability, as well as provides the best financial aid package. Given that scholars are selected for their high achievement and potential, college research often exposes them to excellent and affordable schools beyond Colorado. There really is nothing like witnessing a scholar who truly finds a best fit school that was never on their radar. Their confidence grows, and they begin to trust taking risks, and end up going for something they didn’t know was possible.”
Graduating seniors receiving Chang Chavkin scholarships who worked with Baskfield over the past year on their college applications, include Diego Gutierrez, of Montrose High School, attending Bentley University in Massachusetts; Gabriel Fleetwood, of Montrose High School, attending University of Rochester in New York; Ember Hatter, of Delta High School, attending Haverford College in Pennsylvania; Cadence Shaw, of Norwood High School, attending Ursinus in Pennsylvania; Christopher Gonzalez Muniz, of Montrose High School, attending West Virginia Wesleyan College in Virginia; Kaidence Foote, of Delta High School, attending Colorado College; and Merrilee Gallagher, of Nucla High School, attending Austin College in Texas.
The program takes a comprehensive approach to ensuring scholars become successful college graduates. It goes beyond financial support, aiming to meet the individual needs of each scholar throughout their college journey. Scholars maintain regular contact with Baskfield, seeking academic, social or emotional support when needed.
“Two things I believe make a difference for our scholars is that we stay connected and we listen,” said Baskfield. "A key part of our college research is finding a best-fit school that meets each scholar's needs, giving them the greatest chance for success.”
Also in 2025, nine juniors from Telluride, Nucla, Montrose, Ridgway, Delta and Cortez were chosen to be scholars, and Baskfield will work with them over the year during the college research, application and selection process as they prepare to graduate from high school in 2026. Established in 2017, the Chang Chavkin Scholars program is currently serving 38 total scholars attending college and proud to celebrate 13 college graduates.
Additionally, the Telluride Foundation partners with several organizations and committees that provide scholarships to deserving students, including the Sparky/Latina scholarships and San Miguel Power Association scholarships.
“Our scholarship programs are some of the most rewarding investments the foundation makes in our region, and we are continually inspired by the scholars’ passion and commitment to furthering their education,” said Jason Corzine, president and CEO of the Telluride Foundation. “We are also grateful for the generous donors who believe in the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders through these scholarship opportunities.”
This year marks the Telluride Foundation’s 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of enriching the quality of life of the residents, workforce and visitors of the Telluride Region. Through grant making and investments in initiatives, and community development programs, the foundation works to address critical needs and foster opportunities for long-term impact. Since its founding in 2000, the Telluride Foundation has partnered with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to create lasting solutions that benefit all. For more information, all may visit www.telluridefoundation.org.
