Independent students are some of the most vulnerable students on campus. They are responsible for financially supporting themselves and do not rely on others, such as parents or guardians, for assistance.
To help serve independent students, Metropolitan State University of Denver established the Epic Scholars Program in 2018 to provide financial assistance and meaningful support to independent students, including those who were emancipated, unaccompanied and/or former foster youth.
Six years later, the Epic community has announced significant development for the Epic Scholars Program with the creation of the Community Advisory Board.
Community Advisory Board
As part of MSU Denver’s ongoing commitment to student success and retention, a Community Advisory Board has been formed and will play a vital role in consulting program staff and Epic Peer Leaders and advocating for the program’s importance and mission.
This inaugural board comprises distinguished individuals for a one-year term, including:
- Epic Scholars founder Vicki Golich, Ph.D., Provost Emerita
- Alumna Ley-Lonni Woodruff, MSW
- Alumna Kiara Galvan
- Lara Bruce, MSW, director of the Colorado Child Welfare Scholars Consortium
- Clay Daughtrey, Ed.D., professor of Marketing
- Shelly Ann, MSW, care-case manager of the Student Care Center
- Two current Epic Scholars
Epic Scholars Report
Principal Investigator Erin Boyce, MSW, Ph.D., lecturer in Social Work, led the multiyear research project, which highlights the tangible impact of the program. It also underscores the critical importance of providing robust support to independent students at a diverse university such as MSU Denver.
The 2021-23 Epic Scholars Report shows that students who participate in Epic Scholars have better educational outcomes and retention rates than their peers. Students find a community with Epic and in turn have a sense of belonging and believe in themselves.
“While we haven’t been able to verify our retention rate through University data, anecdotally we know that nearly half of our population is retained each semester and that we celebrate at least one graduation each semester,” Miguel Huerta, Epic scholars program manager, said. “Epic Scholars is a scholarship-and-support program, but most important, it is a community.”
A few of the report’s highlights:
- Academic Excellence and Standing:
- In the 2021-22 academic year, 98% of Epic Scholars maintained good academic standing, compared with non-Epic independent students at 42%.
- Continued Academic Success in 2022-23:
- Epic Scholars also attained a GPA of 3.03, outpacing non-Epic independent students’ GPA of 2.34.
- Credit Hour Mastery:
- Epic Scholars attempted an average of 21.6 credit hours attempted per academic year compared with 20.2 for non-Epic independent students. Epic Scholars also completed 85.1% of their credit hours per semester compared with non-Epic independent students, who completed 47.6% of attempted credit hours.
Student feedback
At each semester’s end, students are encouraged to share their feedback about the program through anonymous surveys. Through these surveys, many students likened the program to a chosen family, underscoring the invaluable sense of belonging and support it provided. 
This recognition holds particular weight considering the challenges these students face, with statistics often painting a daunting picture of their academic journey.
The consistent theme presented in feedback from participants is the importance of belonging. By offering a haven for these students to pursue their dreams, the Epic Scholars Program aims to level the playing field, ensuring that each student is equipped with the resources and encouragement needed to navigate their academic endeavors.
Stay involved
Employees can stay involved with the Epic Scholars Program through the website and are encouraged to connect students who may have a background of family instability to the program.