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.
The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (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.
PPSC is honored to be a recipient of the COSI skilled trades 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.
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.
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, resources and are actively engaging and connecting with the student community, faculty, staff, and professional groups along with other communities while developing social and emotional learning skills. Coaches provide Financial Literacy, Career Management, and Scholarship workshop events to develop student success skills in their academic, professional, and personal lives. The end goal is student completion of a PPSC degree and/or certificate(s). Daily contact with students is maintained by coaches via the COSI Scholars’ D2L shell, one-on-one student/coach meetings, events, 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
