DENVER – Feb. 11, 2025: Today, the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) announced the launch of COSI Achieve, a new initiative within the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) that works to deliver comprehensive support encompassing both scholarships and critical student success services.
COSI Achieve will allocate up to $6.1 million to Colorado public institutions of higher education, and up to $2 million to non-profit organizations. A request for proposal for institutions and non-profit applicants is available now.
“COSI Achieve saves students money and provides them with the support they need to succeed and persist in their higher education journey,” said Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of CDHE. “We thank our colleges, universities and non-profit partners for the difference they are making in their communities to uplift and provide services that reflect our students’ individual needs and circumstances.”
Since COSI’s inception in 2014, data has shown that students thrive when provided with both financial assistance and robust support services. This integrated approach of providing scholarships and student support significantly improves student outcomes. Compared to the state and national averages of approximately 68%, students receiving COSI scholarships and support services persist at rates of up to 92%.
“A decade of COSI programming has unequivocally shown that the combination of financial support and comprehensive student services is paramount to increasing persistence and completion rates among our students,” said Managing Director of COSI, Dr. Cynthia Armendariz. “COSI Achieve builds upon this proven model, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed in their postsecondary journeys.”
To maximize impact and encourage private and community investment, the financial support provided through COSI Achieve requires a one-to-one match. These funds address the cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books, fees and other educational expenses.
Support services funded through COSI Achieve will help with students’ academic, social and personal well-being, fostering an environment conducive to educational attainment.
COSI will provide virtual and in-person technical assistance and support to organizations interested in submitting a proposal. Interested organizations are strongly encouraged to read the request for proposal and join the first virtual support session on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. Registration for the zoom meeting is now available.
COSI Students
COSI students must demonstrate financial need, be a Colorado resident and be an undergraduate student attending a Colorado public institution of higher education. Those interested in applying for scholarship funding should contact the institution they plan to attend to learn more about COSI-funded programs.
About the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative
The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative was created with the Colorado Department of Higher Education 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.
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