Kiowa County residents who are considering attending Lamar Community College this academic year still have time to apply for Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) Scholarships.  Applications are due August 31.

Last year, the Colorado Department of Higher Education (DHE) announced a unique opportunity for Colorado counties and public colleges to grow scholarship funds utilizing the State’s COSI Initiative. The Scholarship initiative seeks to partner with counties, institutions of higher education, and workforce development organizations to form local scholarship programs throughout the state. Kiowa County had an allocation of $1,829 to create $3,658 in scholarships with a 1:1 matching scholarship program.  The Kiowa County Board of Commissioners contributed the entire match to secure the maximum amount of COSI funds available to Kiowa County resident students. 

COSI Scholarships are available to students who are completing a certificate of study or degree and enrolled in a rigor-based student service program.  Individuals must demonstrate aid eligibility by completing the FAFSA (at fafsa.gov).   Students and families who have an Estimated Family Contribution of up to 13,095 (or up to 250% of Pell eligibility) are welcome to apply.  Preference will be given to those pursuing studies in EMT, Fire, or Law Enforcement.  Special consideration will be given to students from underrepresented populations.  Apply for COSI and other scholarships at www.lamarcc.edu/scholarships.

Additional financial aid is available to students through state and federal grants and institutional scholarships.  Completing the FAFSA is the best way for students to open opportunities for state and federal aid, while students are also encouraged to apply for additional scholarships – including Johnson Foundation Financial Awards and Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity Scholarships at www.lamarcc.edu/scholarships.

While most on-campus LCC courses start the week of August 22, students may be able to enroll through the courses’ census dates in some cases.  LCC also offers a full array of online courses through CCCOnline.  CCCOnline has four sessions this fall with standard term, fast track, and late start courses available, beginning August 29 to October 31.

The Colorado DHE is committed to reducing the “Attainment Gap,” which is the disparity between Coloradans who traditionally go to college and Coloradans who are historically less likely to go to college.  The DHE is working toward that goal through a variety of ways, including addressing college affordability through programs like the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative.

For more information on enrolling at LCC this fall, see www.lamarcc.edu or contact Jenna Davis at jenna.davis@lamarcc.edu or 719.336.1589.