Frequently Asked Questions

Often, students who are interested in Stryker have many questions about the Stryker eligibility requirements, participation requirements, and the application process. Below, are some of the most frequently asked questions with answers provided. If your question is not addressed below, please call (970) 351-1492 or send an email to Stryker@unco.edu.

Eligibility Requirements

• Who are considered underrepresented groups?

  As there are many ways to identify within underrepresented groups, a student must identify as a woman and hold another underrepresented identity. The following are examples of other underrepresented identities that students can identify within to qualify for this scholarship that can include, but are not limited to: 

  • Race (all racial identities other than white) 
  • Sexuality (LGBTQI+)
  • Nationality (undocumented status, DREAMers, DACA, ASSET)
  • Class (low income)
  • First-generation (Neither adoptive nor biological parents have earned a bachelor’s degree) 
  • Parenting Status (having dependents)
  • Age (non-traditionally aged/post-traditional, over the age of 25)
  • Ability (with disabilities)
  • Veteran Status​ (​Individually specified identity at applicants discretion)
• Why is Stryker only for women?

  Our program's donor, Ronda Stryker (a UNC alumna) hopes to provide an opportunity for more women to receive support through their education and obtainment of a degree from UNC. Her philanthropic interests include empowering women and supporting nontraditional women students at UNC.

• I am a transwoman. Can I apply?

  Yes! Our scholarship serves all students who identify as women; this includes transwomen.

• I identify as genderqueer, genderfluid, nonbinary, or agender. Can I apply? 

  Students who identify as women or transwomen from underrepresented groups on the University Scholarship Application are eligible to apply for the Stryker scholarship.

• Can I apply as a freshman, third-year student, or senior?

  Applicants must have completed at least 24 credits accepted by UNC to apply. As long as you meet this requirement, you may apply.

• If I applied to this scholarship last year and was not selected can I apply this year?

  Yes! If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you are able to apply.

• If I have 24 college credits from high school and this will be my first year at UNC. Can I apply?

  As long as these credits are accepted by UNC and you meet all other requirements, you are eligible to apply for the Stryker Institute scholarship.

• What program/degree do we have to be in to apply for Stryker?

  Applicants for Stryker can be in any UNC degree seeking program as a full-time (fall and spring semesters) student.

• Can graduate students apply for this scholarship?

  We are not currently accepting applications for graduate students as the scholarship aims to support women seeking their first degree.

• Can I apply if I am an international student or nonresident of Colorado? 

  Yes! International students and students who are nonresidents of Colorado are welcome to apply. If you are paying an out-of-state rate, it may be helpful to know that the Stryker Institute scholarship only covers in-state tuition ($7,500 a year).

• Can I apply if I am a student with undocumented status (DACA, DREAMER, ASSET)?

  Yes! Students with undocumented status are eligible to receive the Stryker scholarship and are encouraged to apply.

•  I am an extended campus or off campus student. Can I still apply?
   Yes! All women UNC students who identify as a member of an underrepresented group who are enrolled in 12 credits in a degree-seeking program are eligible. If accepted into the program, you would need to attend all workshops on UNC's campus, keep this in mind.
• If I only have one semester left at UNC, can I apply?
  No, all participants are expected to fulfill at least one year of the Stryker experience.
• Can I apply to begin receiving the scholarship in spring semester?
  Selection of new incoming scholarship recipients only occurs once per year and are awarded in the fall semester.
• Will the Stryker Institute scholarship cover summer or winter classes?
  No, this tuition scholarship is only awarded for/can be used for fall and spring semesters.
• I have received a bachelor's degree already and now I am pursuing a second bachelor's degree. Can I still apply for the Stryker Institute scholarship? 
  No, as the scholarship aims to support women seeking their first degree.
• I completed my bachelor's degree and would like to earn a certificate in my field, can I apply for Stryker?
  No. The Stryker Institute requires participants to be enrolled in a degree-seeking program and at full-time status (12 credits). 
• I was in Stryker when I attended UNC before. I am coming back to UNC after a break. Can I still receive the Stryker scholarship?

  Yes, you are still eligible to apply! In your Stryker Institute application, please indicate you have been previously involved with our program as a participant.

Participation

• What is the time commitment for participating in Stryker?

  The first year participants engage in monthly workshops on a select Saturday from 9 am - 4pm. All participants are required to attend all workshops. The second, third, and fourth year participants have varying schedules and will be distributed before each academic year begins.

• What if my schedule doesn’t allow me to commit to all of the workshop dates?

  The expectation in providing you with dates ahead of time is that you will make workshop dates a priority in your schedule. This provides you with ample time to talk with supervisors, family, babysitters, instructors, etc. to avoid missing workshops.

Application Process

• When is the Stryker Institute application due?

  The completed application and letter of recommendation must be submitted by June 1.

• What are all the steps involved in the application process?

  Applicants must complete the University Scholarship application on Ursa. Once you complete this application, a list of scholarships you are eligible for will be available. Within this list, search for the Stryker Institute for Leadership Development scholarship. Save the application to your desktop, complete it, and then upload it. Finally, upload a letter of recommendation to finish the application process. Applications are due by June 1.

  For a step-by-step guide, please click here.

• What type of recommendation letter are you looking for in the application process?

  Your recommendation letter can come from anyone who can speak to your interest and fit for the scholarship program.

• Can I fax or email my application directly to you?

  No. Please submit all materials online through the University Scholarship Academic Works website.

• Where do I find my EFC?

  Your EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) can be found at the end of your FAFSA, in your Student Aid Report. If you would like further assistance finding your EFC, please call the Office of Financial Aid (970-351-4862).

  You do not need to complete the FAFSA to apply for the Stryker Institute scholarship. If EFC is not applicable to you, please leave this question blank.

• Can I start my application and come back to it at another time?
   In order to see specific steps for saving your application and returning to it, please click here.
•  Does my letter of recommendation need to be sealed? Am I supposed to know what it says?
   Since you are required to upload the file, your letter of recommendation does not need to be sealed.
•  I have never heard about the Stryker scholarship before, how was I selected to apply?

  In order to be eligible for the Stryker scholarship, you must identify as a woman from an underrepresented group at UNC, including, but not limited to:

  • Race (all racial identities other than white)
  • Gender/Sexuality (women, trans-women, LGBTQI)
  • Nationality (undocumented status, DREAMers, DACA, ASSET)
  • Class (low income, first-generation)
  • Parenting Status (having dependents)
  • Age (nontraditionally aged)
  • Ability (with disabilities)
  • Veteran

  You have been selected to apply because you met these requirements when completing the University Scholarship application.

•  I am eligible to apply, but it is not showing up in my list of scholarships. What do I do?

   If you are eligible, but the application is not available to you, please contact the Office of Financial Aid (970-351-4862).

•  I am having an issue with the application and/or the Academic Works website. Who should I contact?

   If you are having technical issues completing the application, please contact the Office of Financial Aid (970-351-4862).

• When will I be notified about my application status?

  We will reach out to notify all applicants the status of their application before the fall semester begins. Please, check your email and/or voicemail for updates.