Adams State University students will benefit from the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) thanks to regional counties including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Huerfano, Las Animas, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties.

Approving $7.5 million in grant awards, the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) board will allocate a total of $15 million in new scholarship funds for the 2018-2019 cycle, supporting more than 5,150 students across the state.

This record-breaking grant cycle also marks the first time COSI garnered 100 percent participation among Colorado’s eligible public institutions of higher education. What’s more, 59 of 64 counties applied for COSI funds, edging county participation to 97 percent.

“In its five years of serving students, COSI shines as a national model for public-private partnership,” said Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. “More than 2,800 COSI students have already earned a credential or degree since the program’s inception, and we look forward to expanding even more opportunity through this latest round of grants.”

The scholarships are multi-year awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on program and financial need, and most students will receive the scholarship within the next two to four years. To inspire new philanthropic giving in the state, COSI matches community-raised funds one-to-one to double the program’s impact.

County-based awards

  • Adams State University Foundation on behalf of Alamosa County: $13,566
  • Adams State University Foundation on behalf of Conejos County: $5,000
  • Adams State University Foundation on behalf of Costilla County: $4,000
  • Adams State University Foundation on behalf of Huerfano County: $7,763
  • Adams State University Foundation on behalf of Las Animas County: $10,000
  • Adams State University Foundation on behalf of Mineral County: $2,000
  • Adams State University Foundation on behalf of Rio Grande County: $5,000
  • Adams State University Foundation on behalf of Saguache County: $14,472

Institutions of Higher Education

  • Adams State University Foundation on behalf of Adams State University: $17,589

For a complete list of county-based awards, institutions of higher education, and workforce programs which received the COSI grant, visit COSI.

About the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (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 advocate, develop policies and support students 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.