Early Bird

MSU Denver receives $133,000 for emergency aid

The funds will support students who are facing challenges or financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Lindsey Coulter

November 10, 2020

In late October, Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative awarded Metropolitan State University of Denver $133,000 through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund. MSU Denver was one of 12 institutions that together received $1 million for emergency relief aid to students who have not yet been awarded funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.

The Colorado Student Relief Fund requires awardees to prioritize students who have an Expected Family Income within 250% of Pell eligibility and who are facing challenges or financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions can use the funds to make direct awards to students in the form of emergency aid during the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters.

“National studies have shown that emergency funds are a critical tool to ensuring that students can continue making progress toward degree completion,” said Will Simpkins, Ed.D., vice president for Student Affairs. “We know at MSU Denver that our students and their families are often confronted with unexpected financial needs that compel them to stop out or drop out. This grant from the Colorado Student Relief Fund ensures that MSU Denver, through the Student Care Center’s emergency fund efforts, will be able to continue supporting all MSU Denver students.”

In addition to MSU Denver, other awarded institutions include:

• Adams State University - $196,000
• Aims Community College - $15,000
• Arapahoe Community College - $71,000
• Colorado Mesa University Foundation - $120,000
• Colorado Mountain College - $105,000
• Colorado State University - $76,000
• Community College of Aurora - $60,000
• Community College of Denver - $41,000
• Lamar Community College - $26,000
• Morgan Community College - $57,000
• Red Rocks Community College Foundation - $100,000

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative was created 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.