About the scholarship

The Austin J. Hart Entrepreneurial Scholarship is available to students who exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit. It is open to high school seniors set to graduate in the upcoming spring term and current Colorado State University students. The scholarship aims to support individuals who plan to attend or are already enrolled at Colorado State University. It is our aspiration that the awardees of this scholarship will perpetuate Austin’s enduring legacy characterized by selflessness, integrity, unwavering diligence, courage, and ambition.

Scholarship amount: $3,ooo
Number of awards: 1

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amounts awarded to a selected recipient may be used for tuition and fees. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

Eligibility

  • Be a graduating high school senior committed to Colorado State University or a student enrolled at Colorado State University.
  • Be studying business, Economics, or Finance
  • Have participated in entrepreneurial activities; additional consideration will be given to those who participate or plan to participate in the CSU Institute for Entrepreneurship

About Austin J. Hart

Austin J. HartAustin was a vibrant young man who lived life to the fullest, driven by an avid curiosity and a passion for anything with wheels or a motor, particularly hot rods. He instilled the values of goal-setting and hard work, exemplifying ethics, morals, and the importance of family and friends’ happiness. Graduating swiftly from Colorado State University, he established Hart Body Shop and later moved his business to Lake Havasu City, AZ, to pursue his dream of professional jet ski racing.

Austin enjoyed various outdoor activities, including fishing, dirt biking, off-roading, and golfing, and he had a heart for rescuing dogs. As a cherished friend, son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin, he lent his wisdom and support to others, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him. Austin’s infectious smile embodied true happiness, and in his memory, his parents, Julie and Cody Hart, and his sister, Brittany Hart, established a memorial scholarship with contributions from friends and family to honor his legacy of warmth and generosity.

The 2024-2025 scholarship application cycle is now closed. 

Contact Us

If you have questions or are interested in volunteering to review scholarship applications, contact scholarships@nocofoundation.org.

Vladan Panic
2022 Austin J. Hart Scholarship Recipient
I would like to thank you on behalf of my family and me for granting me this opportunity. Receiving this award proves that good things happen with heart and consistent hard work. Coming from a refugee family, my parents never believed they would see a child of their own graduate college. With your generous financial assistance, I can happily say that I will be the first member of my family to complete this come next spring. I promise to continue giving my best efforts in school and applying the education in my future business ventures. I will forever be grateful for receiving the Austin J. Hart Memorial Scholarship Fund and hope I get that chance to show my gratitude and appreciation to you all in person eventually.