Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative: Eligibility and Opportunities

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) aims to reduce the cost of higher education and provide crucial financial and student support, both within and outside the classroom, enabling students to avoid accumulating debt. COSI addresses the fact that Colorado's high proportion of adults with college degrees is largely due to credentialed migrants, rather than a reflection of a well-educated, homegrown workforce. The initiative seeks to expand the use of effective strategies throughout the state through a funding model that has garnered bipartisan support.

COSI Scholarship Programs and Eligibility

COSI offers a variety of scholarship programs, each with specific eligibility requirements and focus areas, designed to support a diverse range of students in achieving their educational goals.

COSI Community Partnership Scholarship Program

This program focuses on assisting students in navigating their academic journey at the Community College of Aurora (CCA). The COSI Community Partnership scholarship program assists students in navigating their way through their time at CCA.

COSI Traditional Program

The COSI Traditional program is designed to provide holistic support to students through coaching and resources offered through educational workshops. Students wanting to join COSI Traditional will need to complete the General Scholarship Application. The COSI Traditional program's mission is to provide holistic support to students through coaching, and providing resources through educational workshops.

COSI Back to Work Scholarship Program

The COSI Back to Work scholarship program is tailored to support students, or students with spouses, whose employment has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes individuals who have experienced a reduction in work hours, income, or job loss, as well as those unable to work due to family obligations or health concerns. Ana was able to return to school thanks to a Back to Work scholarship, which has allowed her to focus more clearly on her studies, as well as her clinical work in the community and at facilities in Grand Junction and Denver. “It’s been super helpful,” she said. “Especially at this stage of my life, with kids and a family.

COSI Careers Program

Students wishing to participate in the COSI Careers program must be eligible, complete an interest form, and complete their degree or certificate program by May 2023. Scholarship recipients can expect to meet with an academic coach regularly and participate in workshops and program events with a focus on career success.

COSI Finish What You Started (FWYS) Scholarship Program

The COSI Finish What You Started scholarship program helps Colorado residents go back to school and earn their credential or degree. The program supports in two ways: providing financial assistance and support services throughout their college experience. Students wanting to participate in the COSI FWYS program will need to complete an interest form, and complete their degree or certificate by May 2026. Scholarship recipients can expect to meet with a completion navigator regularly and participate in workshops and program events with a focus on completion, transfer, and employment. “I was coming back to college after 20 years so it was right down my alley,” Miranda said of the grant.

General Eligibility and Award Details

While specific eligibility criteria may vary between COSI programs, some general guidelines and award details apply.

Colorado Residency: Most COSI programs require applicants to be Colorado residents.
Financial Need: COSI scholarships are designed to support students with financial need, helping to reduce the overall cost of higher education.
Enrollment: To receive funds, students generally need to enroll in a consecutive term after awards are issued.
Renewal: Students may be eligible for renewal funds for additional courses based on continued eligibility, enrollment, and the availability of funds.
No Action Required: In many cases, students do not need to contact their Financial Aid Advisor or take specific action to be considered for COSI funding. Current students can often review their eligibility with their Student Success Counselor. New and re-entry students may receive funds as part of their Financial Aid Package after admission.
Funds Application: Funds are typically applied to a student’s account approximately 10 days after the start of the term.*Funds will only be issued if the student enrolls in a consecutive term after awards are issued.*Students will be issued renewal funds for additional courses based upon continued eligibility, enrollment, and availability of funds.*Students do not need to contact their Financial Aid Advisor to be considered.*Students do not need to take action to receive these funds.*Current students can review their eligibility with their Student Success Counselor.*New and re-entry students will receive the funds as part of their Financial Aid Package after admission.*Funds will be applied to a student’s account approximately 10 days after the start of the term.

Colorado Mountain College COSI Scholarships

At Colorado Mountain College, students can often apply for all COSI scholarships through a single application. It is essential to carefully review the specific COSI Scholarships & Eligibility information provided by the college.

Financial Assistance Details

Students may receive $1,000 for one undergraduate course (students will be responsible for the remaining $50) or $2,000 for two undergraduate courses (students will be responsible for the remaining $100).

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