Finish What You Started (FWYS) is a Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) sponsored by the Colorado Department of Education. COSI is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

COSI helps Colorado residents go back to school and earn their credential or degree by providing financial assistance and support services.

Students are expected to:

• Attend two coaching appointments per semester
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA
• Enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester
• Complete requirements (found in student's FWYS D2L)

Students who: 

• Have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
• Qualify for in-state tuition.
• Are pursuing their first higher education certificate or degree in Colorado (previous degree holders and 30+ credit hours certificates are ineligible)
• Are not receiving another COSI Scholarship 
• Have "Some College, No Degree" 
  • Student earned some postsecondary credits from a Colorado public/private higher education institution
  • Student did not complete a certificate or degree
  • Student has not been enrolled in courses for two or more consecutive semesters 

Benefits of the Finish What You Started Scholarship include:

• $1,500 scholarship per semester, renewable until you complete your certificate or degree
• Scholarship funds are in addition to other financial aid you may receive
• Qualified coaches and tutors to support your success
• Resources such as career services, financial literacy, and time management workshops

Coaching supports students:

• Learning about PPSC academic, financial and social resources
• Progressing toward and completing a credential/degree 
• Connecting to resources
• Exploring careers and either transitioning back into the workforce or transferring to 4-year institution
• Developing student success skills 

Student Success Skills include:

• Goal setting/planning
• Time/self-management
• Organization
• Personal responsibility
• Study strategies
• Self-advocacy
• Pacing in an online or remote course
• Self-awareness

Hello! My name is Brandy, and my goal is to help returning students meet their goals at Pikes Peak State College. 

I am from Illinois and moved to Colorado to pursue my degree, a Master's in Leadership: Student Affairs in Higher Education from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. 

I love my Pitbull, collecting crystals, Taylor Swift, and swimming in the mountains!

I am so happy to be supporting FWYS students. I cannot wait to meet you!

Have questions or want more info?
Contact: Brandy Kaminsky 
Email: Brandy.Kaminsky@pikespeak.edu
Phone: 719-323-4117 (call or text)