Together we can provide meaningful investment and leverage state funds to inspire increased community giving.
In 2014, the Colorado legislature committed $34 million toward a new initiative to create a network of student support and scholarship programs throughout the state. By increasing student success and financial resources, the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative set out to create greater postsecondary access, persistence, and retention for Coloradans. The work of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative is pursuant to HB 14-1384 and SB 20-006.
COSI addresses statewide postsecondary attainment in two ways:
- Accessibility (wraparound support funding)
COSI funds programs that prepare students for postsecondary education and support them through completion. 78% of program participants are students of color, and COSI Scholars persist at rates 15% points higher than peers of similar backgrounds.
- Affordability (scholarship funding)
COSI provides tuition support to students via matching funds for community scholarships, helping to keep down tuition costs and reducing student loan debt. 64% of COSI scholars are students of color, and three-quarters are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. These students outpace their non-COSI counterparts by 25%.
- COSI Statute & Rules