Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Scholar Rosie Ballesteros is building a future rooted in family and service. As a first-generation college student and the oldest of three siblings, Rosie attends the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), where she is majoring in criminal justice and minoring in educational studies. She is proud to be on track to graduate in spring 2027.
Rosie, whose father is Mexican and whose mother is from the Dominican Republic, grew up surrounded by family support and encouragement to pursue her own education. Her family was initially nervous about the cost of college and what the transition would mean for them. Through the DSF Scholarship and financial aid process, Rosie and her family found support that helped ease those concerns and made college feel possible. After attending KIPP Denver Collegiate High School, she made the transition to CU Denver, where she quickly noticed the difference between high school and college. College brought more independence, new responsibilities and challenges. Connecting with her DSF Campus Advisor, Alyssa Diaz, helped her navigate that transition with confidence.
“DSF has helped me in so many ways, starting with pairing me with my DSF Campus Advisor, Alyssa, who has always been kind and supportive,” Rosie said. “Beyond the financial support, she has guided me, connected me with people on campus, helped me find my community, and encouraged me to apply to become an orientation leader.” Rosie has stayed highly engaged as a DSF Scholar and has invited her mom to attend several DSF events with her, including the DSF Scholar Summit, which they have attended together for the past three years. Her mom has encouraged her to get involved on campus and take advantage of every opportunity available. “At first, my mom was curious about what the event would be like, but after the first year, she kept coming with me so we could both learn from the sessions together. I want to make sure my family is part of my educational journey,” Rosie said.
In addition to serving as a CU Denver Orientation Leader, Rosie is interning with a probation officer in Adams County, where she is gaining hands-on experience in her field. The work connects directly to what she is learning in class, from understanding systems of support for victims to strengthening her ability to advocate for others. Through these experiences, Rosie is building confidence, professional skills and a clearer sense of the career path she wants to pursue. DSF Assistant Director of Career and Applied Pathways, Kevin McNulty, said, “We encourage DSF Scholars to pursue internships while in college because the odds of a college graduate facing underemployment after graduation who had at least one internship are 48.5% lower than those who did not have an internship. Underemployment is defined as being employed in jobs that do not typically require a bachelor’s degree.” Rosie has taken that message to heart.
She also works guest relations and event coordinator for the Denver Broncos, a role she enjoys because it allows her to build new skills, connect with professionals and fans, and continue growing while balancing a full course load at CU Denver. Support from DSF helps DSF Scholars like Rosie access scholarship funding, advising, campus connections, and career-connected experiences that support students’ getting to graduation and lifelong success.
As Rosie prepares for her senior year at CU Denver, her journey is a reminder that success is built through determination and with the support of family and community. With DSF’s guidance and her family by her side, she has grown into a confident leader and role model for her peers. As she looks ahead to graduation in the Class of 2027, Rosie carries big dreams for her future in criminal justice and deep gratitude for the people who have guided her every step of the way. We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
