About Us

     The Pueblo African American Concern Organization, also known as PAACO, is a grassroots, nonprofit, diversified organization that has been in existence since the fall of 1992. Its purpose is to provide scholarships, mentoring, and tutoring to minority students in the community of Pueblo. From two scholarships awarded in 1992, PAACO has changed the lives of more than 300 students who have received scholarships as of 2021​.

 

     Scholarships are awarded in increments of $500.00 per semester, with a possible total commitment of $4,000.00 for four years of study. These scholarships are awarded to those students who succeed in avoiding self-limiting behaviors, remain in school, and continue to meet the identified criteria. Identified criteria include preference given to minority applicants, graduate of a Southern Colorado high school, a 2.5 high school GPA or 2.5 cumulative college GPA, and evidence of financial need. Applicants must reapply each school year for ongoing support.

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     The Pueblo African American Concern Organization is managed by a Board of Directors, who are selected from the community at large and voted on by members of the board. Board members are a diverse group of volunteers who meet monthly to review and assess the progress of the organization's goals of scholarships, mentoring, and tutoring. All board members are committed to the vision of the organization to encourage and support students develop character, values, citizenship, and leadership. The ultimate goal for the PAACO scholarships are develop young people into productive citizens of the world.