Reisher Scholars shine with graduation success

Growing up in a town of 1,000 people in rural Colorado, college felt like a distant dream for Iliana Castillo. Her parents worked multiple jobs supporting her siblings, who were already in school. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, she had no roadmap for higher education. 

“I told myself my parents are doing so much already,” Castillo remembered. “I didn’t think I could go to college because of money problems.” 

Community college had given her a start, but transferring to complete her degree meant another big leap and more money she didn’t have. Then she found the Reisher Scholars Program at FLC. 

“It was the reason I was able to graduate this past May,” said Castillo, who became one of FLC’s first four Reisher Scholars to graduate, with degrees in sociology and human services. 

The Reisher Scholars Program, launched at FLC in 2022, provides $6,000-$22,000 annually. Coordinator Gina Jannone said the program’s real strength lies in comprehensive support during the critical sophomore and junior years, when other funding often runs out. 

“This is really the only program here of this magnitude, just in the amount of support available,” Jannone said. 

For Castillo, that meant covering housing, groceries, and basic needs so she could work part-time instead of full-time while studying. Through the program’s mentorship, she gained confidence and connections. 

“I learned that connecting with people creates opportunities,” she said. “I stepped out of my comfort zone, from my hometown in Kremmling to Durango.” 

Mariela Avalos also faced several challenges: a 30-minute commute from Hesperus, nursing classes that weren’t working out, and the isolation many first-generation students feel. 

“As a first-generation student, you can feel really alone,” said Avalos, who graduated this May with degrees in educational studies and sociology. “It feels good when someone asks: ‘Are you okay? What can I do to help?’” 

Statewide, Reisher has provided $39.3 million to help nearly 2,500 students finish college. At FLC, the program continues expanding based on student input, developing programs around community service and peer support. 

“We want students to feel they have a community to lean on,” Jannone said.