DENVER — July 29, 2026 — The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, awarded 40 grants totaling more than $6.8 million to support Coloradans pursuing higher education. Grant funding included $5.3 million in matching student scholarships and $1.5 million in Career Launch funds to support students pursuing credentials connected to Colorado’s Top Jobs.
“COSI’s commitment to increasing enrollment, persistence and completion for Colorado students is clearly reflected in this latest investment, totaling more than $6.8 million, which expands access and provides the essential supports students need to thrive,” said CDHE Executive Director JB Holston. “These innovative efforts center students while strengthening partnerships with our communities, ultimately fueling Colorado’s economy and cultivating a strong, talented workforce.”
Matching Student Scholarships Grant
COSI awarded $5,337,436.00 in matching student scholarship funds to 25 grant awards representing counties and Colorado public institutions of higher education during the fall award cycle. The Matching Student Scholarship Program provides grant funding for scholarships to non-profit organizations that must match funding at a 1:1 rate. These awards create more than $10.6 million in scholarship funds that support 49 different grant organizations.
According to the 2023-2024 COSI Outcomes Report, students who receive MSS support persist at rates 18–25 percentage points higher than their non-COSI peers and are 23–37 percentage points more likely to persist when compared to students with similar demographic backgrounds. Financially, recipients borrow an average of $2,409 less per year than non-COSI students, equivalent to roughly 25–65 percent less annual borrowing.
Students receiving scholarships are offered holistic support services through COSI’s Community Partnership Program. View a full breakdown of awards by organization.
Career Launch
In fall 2025, the COSI Board awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to 15 organizations, helping students pursue credentials aligned with Colorado’s Top Jobs. The Colorado Talent Pipeline Report defines Colorado Top Jobs as high-demand fields that offer a livable wage. The program requires 1:1 matching funds for approximately $3 million in scholarships for Colorado students. Awarded organizations provide students with connections to career services to help them transition into the workforce. Many of those awarded also provide work-based learning opportunities for students such as internships, apprenticeships and connections to industry partners. An estimated 722 students will receive scholarship funding through this program, contributing to approximately 234 credential completions. View a list of awards.
COSI recently released the 2026–2027 Career Launch Request for Application, making $1.5 million in grant funding available to eligible nonprofit organizations across Colorado. Completed applications must be submitted by Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
COSI students must demonstrate financial need, be a Colorado resident (including ASSET students) 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.
Media Contact
Megan McDermott
Megan.McDermott@dhe.state.co.us
720.394.3205