The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative board approved 25 local scholarship proposals that will support more than 2,300 Coloradans across the state. 

The new scholarships will provide more than $3.3 million to three counties, five institutions of higher education and 17 workforce applications. 

“COSI continues to have a powerful impact on our students and communities,” said Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. “These scholarships put college within reach for so many of our students, leading to a stronger Colorado.”

The 25 scholarships are multi-year awards that race from $500 to $15,000 depending on the program and an individual students financial needs.

Many students will begin receiving the funds from the scholarship within two to four years, according to a release from the CDHE.

COSI initiative is to increase the ability of underserved Coloradan students to attend postsecondary credentials and degrees  through accessibility and affordability. 

Some of the recipients of the newly approved scholarships include Denver Scholarship Foundation on behalf of Denver County, University of Colorado Foundation on behalf of El Paso County, Aims Community College Foundation and Mile High United Way.