The Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society (CSMS) student grant was formed to encourage and support undergraduate students who wish to pursue an education in geology or a similar earth science. Questions may be addressed to Maureen Richardson at bikeswithcoyotes@gmail.com. 

Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society Undergraduate Student Grant 

The primary goal of the CSMS Student Grant Program is to promote and support promising and diligent undergraduate students studying in the State of Colorado who wish to study geology, mineralogy, gemology, and/or related earth sciences, and wish to engage in these sciences as a career. 

Eligibility 

The CSMS Student Grant Program is open to ALL geology or earth science majors  studying in the State of Colorado. CSMS Student Grant applicants need not be members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society nor associated with the CSMS in any way (though members of the CSMS may be given preference), but are welcome to join the CSMS any time they wish to learn from and engage with the members, and share their knowledge and experience.

Undergraduate students must be currently enrolled in a Colorado degree granting institution. The institution may not request overhead costs. Undergraduate students should be in their junior or senior year and should have already chosen geology, mineralogy, gemology, or a related earth science, as their major to demonstrate commitment to the field. Any and all academically promising students are eligible and there shall be no discrimination of any kind based on any factor. The grant will be awarded based on demonstration of academic ability and passionate interest in the science of geology, mineralogy, gemology, or related earth science. Students are eligible for one CSMS Student Grant per degree pursued, per year.

 

Grant Guidelines 

Grants will be $3000. Grant applications are due by May 15, 2026.

One confidential letter of recommendation from the student's advising professor is required with the application. Please send the letter by email to Maureen Richardson at bikeswithcoyotes@gmail.com. Please enter "CSMS Student Grant" in the "Subject" line. 

Winning students will receive the award within 30 days of being chosen by the CSMS Board of Directors. 

Use of Grant Funds

The Grant award may be used for: field trips, materials and supplies, books, tuition, and such other necessities that may help and aid the student in their pursuit of a geology or earth science-related degree. 

Once your application has been completed, please click the SUBMIT button below. Your application will be submitted to Maureen Richardson and a copy sent to the email address provided in the application.

You must also submit a confidential letter of recommendation from your advising professor. Please email your letter of recommendation to Maureen Richardson at bikeswithcoyotes@gmail.com.

To be eligible for the CSMS Undergraduate Student Grant, application submissions and letters of recommendation must be received by May 15, 2026.