PAACO-African-American & Minority College/University Students - Scholarship Application

The Pueblo African American Concern Organization, also known as PAACO, is a grassroots, non-profit, diversified, organization that has been in existence since the Fall of 1992. Our purpose is to provide scholarships, mentoring, and tutoring to minority students in the community of Pueblo who have these needs. Our name reflects our origin. We were in 1992, and we remain in 2008- concerned. We are concerned about the decisions too many of our children are making. Decisions that often forever negatively impact their lives. Decisions that may not be undone, and at best, may only be partially remediated. We are concerned that too many of our children are not achieving academically: concerned that too many are engaging in behaviors which they are not cosmologically, emotionally, socially, or economically prepared. Click to ENLARGE We are especially concerned that there are too few African American students achieving in our current school system. And, as a result, very few are enrolling in colleges and universities. We regularly remind ourselves that when our children fail-we fail. Not only do they pay for their failures, but we, the parents, the grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, businesses, the community. and ultimately, the taxpayer- we all pay for their failures PAACO is trying to interrupt what we perceive as "counterproductive behaviors." We recognize that we cannot address everything--but we are determined to address what we can. We are trying to provide options for the students in this community who avoid behaviors which are self-limiting: options for the students who are willing to apply themselves and stay in school: options for those motivated to pursue a higher education if they had an identifiable support system. PAACO, for nine years, has been one of those support systems. Our volunteer diverse group meets monthly to review how we can meet three potential needs in our children's lives Those needs are scholarships, mentoring and tutoring. Since our inception in 1992, we have awarded more than 125 scholarships. In 1993 PAACO awarded two (2) scholarships. We have increased the numbers each year. This past spring we awarded thirty-one $1000.00 scholarships. These scholarships were awarded to those students who succeeded in avoiding those self-limiting behaviors, who remained in school. and who maintained a G.P.A. of 2.0 or better. Our scholarships are awarded in increments of $500.00 per semester. If a student continues to meet the academic criteria and demonstrates a financial need, we will continue to support them through graduation. PAACO total commitment to the student could amount to $4,000.00. PAACO appreciates the growing support we continue to receive from our community. As you can see, your contributions have and continue to make a difference in the lives of focused and motivated students. Click to ENLARGE Dinner & Dance! Save the Date! 5:30-10 PM Feb. 6, 2010 Tribute to Motown at CSU-Pueblo Occhiato Center PAACO's Annual Banquet Emcee: Phil Martinez. Funds raised support: Scholarships for students that have dreams and goals, but not the finances to make it possible Please contact PAACO's Office at: 719-545-5000 to Reserve Your Tickets Today! Learn More About PAACO Get Our Newsletter!  Your NAME  Your EMAIL Privacy Policy PAACO Scholarship Application (in PDF format) PAACO Members' Areas - Resources, Plans, Executive Board Meetings & Minutes, Sign-Ups... Scholarships and Financial Aid - Resources for planning, applying, budgeting & managing your grants, scholarships, financial aid, loans & money... College/University Students - Resources for tutoring, mentoring, study skills, internships, work- study, fellowships, careers, pro- fessional affiliations, etc... Articles, Books & Courses - Read free articles & learn how-to succeed - our collections of books, school supplies & materials, software & courses can help you PAACO Calendar of Events- Join us in fundraising banquets, auctions & bazaars, premium discount offer programs, dances & receptions and more... Fine Art & Precious Items Auctions- Check out the objects d'art, fine paintings & drawings and the unique array of crafted gifts in our year-round auctions PAACO Partners- Our Partners are helping to make these scholarships, support programs and resources available to the Pueblo community