Metropolitan State University of Denver launched the Heightening Outcomes for Public Benefit Enrolled Students (HOPES) Program last August with the goal to assist students in the maintenance of public benefit programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Medicaid; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; Women, Infants and Children; and more.
By providing support services through ongoing case management, workshops to promote personal, professional and academic advancement, and events to foster community and ongoing relationships, the HOPES Program wraps students in support to ensure their educational success. The mission is driven by helping students achieve their educational goals as they navigate challenges related to financial hardship and maintenance of their public benefits.
The 2017 Wisconsin Hope Labs “Hungry and Homeless in College” report indicated that for universities of 20,000 or more students, 48% of students reported housing insecurities and over 35% of students reported food insecurities. Many of these students need public benefits and support to maintain these benefits and navigate other life challenges related to financial need. The HOPES Program has been implemented to do just that and increase retention and graduation rates at MSU Denver.
As one of many cohort programs at MSU Denver, HOPES aims to continue to build collaboration and intersection with other student programs so students can experience a full gamut of support and everything they need for ongoing educational success.
Eligibility and Application
Students are eligible for the program if they are taking at least one course at MSU Denver and are currently receiving public benefits.
Students can apply directly to the Hopes Program here. If you know a student who would benefit from membership in HOPES, please encourage them to apply or contact Ben Cooper, Psy.D., at 303-615-0006.