DENVER – Dec. 18, 2020: The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) board approved 25 proposals that will provide more than $3.3 million in scholarships for Colorado students.
The money will match locally fundraised scholarship dollars one-to-one during the first round of awards for 2020-2021. This funding will support more than 2,349 students across the state. The scholarships are multi-year awards ranging from $500 to $15,000, depending on the program and a student’s financial need. Most students will receive the scholarship within the next two to four years.
"COSI continues to have a powerful impact on our students and communities," said Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. "These scholarships put college within reach for so many of our students, leading to a stronger Colorado. I applaud our partners for their commitment."
The 25 awards represent three counties ($1,407,332), five institutions of higher education ($822,947) and 17 workforce applications ($1,154,743).
County-based awards:
- Denver Scholarship Foundation on behalf of Denver County $662,352
- University of Colorado Foundation on behalf of El Paso County $640,646
- Morgan Community College Foundation on behalf of Elbert, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Morgan, Washington, and Yuma Counties $104,334
Institutions of Higher Education:
- Aims Community College Foundation $47,807
- Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges $576,901
- Colorado Mountain College Foundation $19,967
- University of Colorado Foundation - University of Colorado Boulder $95,853
- University of Colorado Foundation - University of Colorado Colorado Springs $82,419
Workforce:
- Colorado Mesa University Foundation – Grand Junction Opportunity Scholarships $125,000
- Colorado Mountain College Foundation – Education $100,000
- Colorado Northwestern Community College Foundation – Aviation Flight Maintenance $10,000
- Denver Scholarship Foundation – Key Industries $200,000
- Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges – CTE Endowment $40,743.75
- Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges – CTE $41,000
- Hide in Plain Sight – Homeless & Below Poverty Students $25,000
- Mile High United Way – Bridging the Gap $20,000
- Poudre School District Foundation – High Demand Occupations $10,000
- Project Self Sufficiency of Fort Collins and Loveland – Key Industries $75,000
- Red Rocks Community College Foundation – Health Sciences $10,000
- Red Rocks Community College Foundation – Early Childhood Education $15,000
- Red Rocks Community College Foundation – HVAC $20,000
- Red Rocks Community College Foundation – Automotive Collision, Customization, and Service Technology $3,000
- University of Colorado Foundation CU Boulder – High Impact Practices Experiential Learning $160,000
- University of Colorado Foundation UCCS – RN to BSN $150,000
- University of Colorado Foundation UCCS – Education $150,000
About the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative
The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative was created to increase the attainment of postsecondary credentials and degrees for underserved students in Colorado. The project addresses this challenge in two ways: accessibility and affordability. To increase accessibility, COSI funds programs that will help prepare students for postsecondary education, as well as support them through completion. To increase affordability, COSI provides matching funds for community scholarships.
About the Colorado Department of Higher Education
Working with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, we support students, advocate and develop policies to maximize higher education opportunities for all. The Department believes every Coloradan should have an education beyond high school to pursue their dreams and improve our communities. Read the CDHE master plan Colorado Rises and Affordability Roadmap.
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