New grant supports students in finishing their degrees

Programs: Finish What You Started

The University of Colorado Boulder was recently awarded a $3.1 million grant to help students finish their studies. The grant, provided by the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative, funds implementation of the Finish What You Started program at CU Boulder. First launched in 2021, the Finish What You Started Program helps Colorado residents economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic return to school to earn their degree by 2025.

“CU Boulder is thrilled to receive this award to support students in completing their degrees on our campus. We believe the funds will provide the necessary support to help hundreds of students access an affordable postsecondary education so they can land the jobs they want in Colorado’s workforce,” said Daryl Maeda, dean and vice provost of undergraduate education.

The program supports students in two key ways: providing financial assistance and support services throughout their college experience. Eligible students will have access to semester-over-semester scholarships starting at $1,500 as well as other possible financial support, depending on individual student need. Student support services include one-on-one academic advising and coaching, enrollment support, and career advising to help transition to the workforce post-graduation. To be eligible for the program, students must be Colorado residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree. They must have been economically impacted by the pandemic and have been away from school for two semesters or more.

The Division of Continuing Education will be responsible for administering the program on behalf of the CU Boulder campus. Continuing Education plans to reach out to roughly 300 students who previously left CU without completing their degree and who may be eligible for funding through the program. Student outreach will begin in spring 2022 and will continue until the end of the grant period in 2025.

“One of our primary goals at Continuing Education is to support nontraditional students in achieving their academic, career and personal goals,” said Suzanne Classen, assistant dean for students. “The Finish What You Started program is aligned with our mission and will have a meaningful impact on the lives of students who, for a variety of reasons, had to put their educational goals on hold.” 

Individuals interested in learning more about the Finish What You Started program can visit the program page or contact a program advisor at fwys@colorado.edu or (303) 492-9671.