Approximately 750,000 Coloradans have some college experience but no degree. The Finish What You Started initiative aims to get those students back into school to complete their education and obtain credentials.
Metropolitan State University of Denver was awarded $5.7 million through the Finish What You Started grant program to help students finish their degrees and become workforce-ready. Faculty and staff members can connect students to this vital funding by spreading the word and referring students directly to the program.
What’s in it for students
- Scholars receive scholarships and emergency aid from the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative.
- Students benefit from one-on-one support from navigators in the Transfer and Adult Student Success Center, including support with:
- Reentry
- Financial aid
- Connection to academic departments
- Resources such as the Classroom to Career Hub, Student Engagement and Wellness
Navigators aim to build community with students and increase the students’ confidence and feelings of connection to the University while helping them stay on track academically.
How to refer students
- Complete the referral form.
- Email [email protected].
Eligibility
MSU Denver is serving more than 200 returning students through FWYS with a fall 2022-to-spring 2023 retention rate of 82%. The goal is to serve and graduate 900 students in the program by 2026.
Students who began classes this spring are eligible for this scholarship if they meet all the following requirements:
- Are a resident of Colorado or classify as a resident for tuition purposes (ASSET students are eligible).
- Have completed 36 or more credit hours (including transferable credit hours) toward a degree. (*This credit threshold increases each semester due to graduation requirements.)
- Have not earned a degree (including associate and bachelor’s degrees).
- Have been out of college for at least two semesters (summer included) immediately prior to reenrolling.
- Are able to graduate by May 2026.
- Have experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic (including but not limited to rent/housing increase; wages/hours decrease; increased food or housing insecurity, etc.)
Deadline
MSU Denver will accept Finish What You Started applications for admitted students for the spring 2023 semester until April 15.
More information
To have FWYS information delivered at a department or committee meeting, please contact Tiffani Baldwin, Ph.D., director of Transfer and Adult Student Success.