The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) is a network of student support
and scholarship programs throughout the State of Colorado. By increasing student success
and financial resources, Colorado will experience more students enrolling in, succeeding
at and completing college. Each year, eligible Colorado counties, state institutions
of higher education, and community workforce programs are encouraged to apply for
part of the $7.5 million available for COSI grants. PPSC Foundation is grateful to
be awarded multiple grants that enable us to support our students' educational dreams
and aspirations.
COSI was created in 2014 to address the Colorado Paradox (high proportion of adults
with college degrees due mostly to credentialed migrants moving in instead of reflecting
an educated homegrown workforce). By leveraging state funds to generate local giving,
the program grows community efforts and engages private donors to increase available
scholarships well beyond the investment from the state. Knowing that scholarships
must be paired with student supports to impact completion rates, the program’s Matching
Student Scholarship (MSS) component complements the Community Partner Program (CPP)
grants. By reaching students from a range of socio-economic classes (from 0-250 percent
Pell-eligible) underserved students, are able to not only afford a degree but also
access the support they need to persist and graduate.
Applying to become a COSI Scholar is as easy as filling out PPSC's General Scholarship Application. The General Scholarship Application opens several times a year. You will be notified in your student email when the General Scholarship Application opens. You can find the General Scholarship Application by logging into your student portal > Student > Scholarships > Scholarship Management. Application does not ensure admittance into the program, but will add you to the pool of award candidates.
Currently 50 percent of jobs in Colorado are skilled trades, with an 8 percent gap between open jobs and available qualified employees. This impacts growth and economic development of the Pikes Peak Region. This scholarship funding makes it possible for local residents to gain access to higher education degree and certificate programs that align tuition assistance with workforce development. Scholarship recipients receive training and education to be well equipped for skilled trade and professional careers in El Paso County.
PPSC is honored to be a recipient of the COSI Matching Student Scholarship grant in El Paso County. Research shows that higher education is one of the most effective paths from poverty to economic self-sufficiency and civic participation. Students can boost their post-completion income by 15% with a technical certificate or 25% with an applied associate degree from a Career and Technical Education program. Supporting PPSC students is supporting the training and education that develops workers who are well equipped for skilled trade and professional careers right here in El Paso County.
Tax-deductible scholarship donations are a powerful way to help develop the workforce excellence that the Pikes Peak Region needs and deserves. Named scholarships start at a minimum annual commitment of $2,500. Memorial scholarships and Endowed funds are also available through the PPSC Foundation. Scholarships that meet the following COSI criteria may be matched, up to dollar-to-dollar match each year: recipients must be U.S. residents, qualify for in-state tuition, maintain a 2.0 grade point average and meet specific Pell eligibility requirements. Scholarship awardees must engage in PPSC’s rigorous student support success program including orientation, career and academic advising and financial aid advising. If you are interested in funding a scholarship please email us at foundation@pikespeak.edu
PPSC COSI Scholars continually receive relevant information, actively engage and connect with the student community, faculty, staff, and professional groups, and develop social and emotional learning skills. Coaches provide a variety of workshops and events to promote personal, professional, and academic growth. The end goal is completion of a PPSC degree and/or certificate(s). Contact with students is maintained by coaches via the COSI Scholars’ D2L shell, one-on-one student/coach meetings, emails, phone calls, and text messaging. Coaches also work closely with the PPSC Foundation and specific Financial Aid reps for up-to-date scholarship award and financial aid information.
Voices of PPSC
I like the community here, it is very welcoming.
Elijah Moore
Photography Major
