What kind of person enrolls in the College of Individualized Studies (CIS)? There’s no uniform pattern—the program works and is intended for people exploring the meaning of what it means to be an educated person.
One such learner is CIS alumni and women’s veteran advocate Trista Matascastillo, who received news last month that she received a 2016 Bush Foundation fellowship.
“Trista Matascastillo is one of few to have served in three branches of the U.S. military. Often, she was the only woman in her command. After 16 years of service in the Navy, Marine Corps and National Guard, she was compelled to form the Women Veterans Initiative, a nonprofit advocacy and networking organization. She wants to respond to the growing number of women vets nationwide and to guide her organization as it grows from a working group to a robust nonprofit. With her Bush Fellowship, Trista will pursue post-secondary and graduate degrees to strengthen her leadership skills.”
“Bush Fellows receive up to $100,000 over one to two years for travel, formal academic study or training that they design themselves to develop their expertise. The honor, which is bestowed on a new cohort every year, is a vote of confidence given to people age 24 or older who have demonstrated leadership and have “extraordinary potential to make significant contributions,” according to Tuesday’s announcement.”
Congratulations to this outstanding CIS grad! Where can CIS help you take your own vision and leadership? Check out the program here.
Learn more about Trista’s brilliant work by following her on Twitter at @TristaMatas.