Guardian Scholars

Designed for High School Students in Eagle County, CO

Founded by Ron Davis in 1998, the Guardian Scholars Program began at California State University, Fullerton. The successful scholarship model was soon implemented at 90 colleges and universities nationwide.

In 2004, Ron Davis brought the Guardian Scholars Program to CMU with a unique Colorado twist. The CMU Guardian Scholars program is a cohort scholarship that creates a community of support, helping ambitious students from Eagle County achieve their academic aspirations. Many of the scholars are first-generation students whose families work within the resort region of Colorado's Eagle River Valley.

Made Possible by Our Guardian Angels

At the heart of this program are our Guardian Angels, dedicated donors whose generosity reaches far beyond tuition assistance.

Our Guardian Angels:

Provide mentorship and guidance to help students navigate college-to-career experiences
Open doors to valuable networking opportunities
Support financial literacy education
Connect students with high-quality internships

Through the Guardian Scholars program, students build lasting relationships with their Angels while gaining the tools, experiences and encouragement they need to return to Eagle County as skilled, thriving professionals.

Because of this amazing program, I’m now confident I can do everything I set my mind to. I have also built a super strong networking foundation that has taken me places and I know it will continue to do so in the future.

Jennifer

CMU '18

The Guardian Scholarship has meant the world to me. I am extremely grateful to be part of this wonderful family. Without their support, I would never have had the chance to be where I am today. It has been a blessing to have met so many amazingly kind individuals who believe in me and help support me in following my dreams. I am really excited for the day that I will graduate with my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a Minor in Chemistry… all in high hopes of achieving my dream of becoming a Physician’s Assistant. Once again, thank you all for everything you have done for me I am proud to be called a Guardian Scholar!

Gustavo

CMU ‘22

This program has changed my life in so many ways. Not only has this program offered me an education, but it has also changed me for the better. I would like to thank all the GS mentors and angels. Knowing we had your support has been tremendously helpful. Thank you for believing in all of us.

Liz

CMU ‘21

The Guardian Scholarship is filled with wonderful, caring people who have helped me more than I can count. I have had endless support with my classes, my physical and mental health, and feeling comfortable moving three hours from home. I love all that I am learning and experiencing.

Taylor

CMU ‘23

Guardian Graduation - May 2025

Spring 2025 Welcome Ceremony & Ron Davis's Birthday Celebration

2025 - Spring May Asada Celebration

CMU Commencement Ceremony

End-of-Year Celebration

Guardian Scholars Angels

2024 - August Eagle Send-Off

Guardian Scholars Celebration

CMU Commencement Ceremony

2024 - Guardian Business Meeting

2024 - Guardian Scholars Friendsgiving

Eagle Valley High School Graduation

2025 - Guardian Gathering with Scholars and Angels

Guardian Scholars - May 2025 Commencement

2025 - Senior Celebration with Ron Davis

2025 - Senior Celebration with Scholars and their Families

2025 - Graduating Guardian Scholars with Rowdy

About Guardian Scholars

Nationally, only 11% of low-income, first-generation students graduate from college within six years. Many leave without a degree, but still carrying substantial student loans.

At Guardian Scholars, our graduation rate exceeds 85%. Even more, our scholars graduate with minimal or no debt, empowering them to launch their professional lives free from the financial burden of college loans.

We encourage our Guardian Scholars to return to Eagle County, giving back to their communities and helping the next generation of Guardians achieve academic success.

Every Guardian Scholar graduate owns their story of resilience, ambition, and achievement. Supported by mentorship, professional connections and resources from our Guardian Angels, these scholars are launching into their careers with confidence and minimal or no student debt.

HEAR FROM OUR 2025 GRADUATES ON THE IMPACT OF THE GUARDIAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM.

WATCH NOW

Guardian Angels give more than tuition assistance. They engage year-round by attending meetings, dinners and special events. By staying connected with Guardian Scholars, our generous donors provide mentorship and guidance, helping students navigate the challenges and transitions of college and their careers.

Interested in supporting the Guardian Scholars Program, or becoming an Angel? Contact Robin Brown ([email protected]).

Ron Davis
Jeanne Gustafson
Fatima Blanco
Tina Fleishman
Erik Garcia
Bob Gwyn
Karen Johnson
Larry Roush
Sue Rushmore
Lisa Schanzer
Wendy Rudolph
Lorie Zupon

Thank You, Angels

Thanks to the generosity of our Guardian Angels, hundreds of first-generation students from Eagle County graduate from CMU with little to no debt. Interested in supporting the Guardian Scholars Program, or becoming an Angel? Contact Robin Brown ([email protected]).