DENVER – Oct. 21, 2020: Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) awarded $1 million of the $44 million Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund to 12 public institutions of higher education. The colleges and universities will use the funds to award emergency relief aid to students who have not yet been awarded funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.
The Colorado Student Relief Fund requires applicants to prioritize students who have not already received an award from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, who have an Expected Family Income within 250 percent of Pell eligibility, and who are facing challenges or financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions can use the funds to make direct awards to students in the form of emergency aid during the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters.
The following institutions were awarded:
- Adams State University - $196,000
- Aims Community College - $15,000
- Arapahoe Community College - $71,000
- Colorado Mesa University Foundation - $120,000
- Colorado Mountain College - $105,000
- Colorado State University - $76,000
- Community College of Aurora - $60,000
- Community College of Denver - $41,000
- Lamar Community College - $26,000
- Metropolitan State University of Denver - $133,000
- Morgan Community College - $57,000
- Red Rocks Community College Foundation - $100,000
This fall, Governor Jared Polis selected the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) to administer $1 million of the $44 million Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund to create the Colorado Student Relief Fund.
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.
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