I love how you can be whoever you want to be here.

Not every student’s journey is straightforward, and life can sometimes disrupt academic plans. That’s why CU Denver, in partnership with the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative, offers the Finish What You Started program to help students return to school and complete their degrees. 

This program provides financial support and resources tailored to each student’s needs. Participants receive scholarships of $500 to $1,500 per semester, one-on-one enrollment assistance, academic mentoring, and career preparation support—all designed to help them succeed. 

Students like Sam Carrillo and Jakob Prichard are examples of how the program makes a difference. After pausing her studies to manage the challenges of COVID-19, Carrillo returned to CU Denver with a renewed focus on her nursing career. Thanks to the program’s flexibility, she can balance her full-time job as a medical assistant with her studies. 

Similarly, Prichard left college after struggling through his first semester but was motivated to return after learning about the program’s financial support and guidance. Now, back at CU Denver, he’s on track to graduate in 2025 with a degree in entrepreneurship. 

CU Denver’s Finish What You Started program is making a real impact, helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their academic goals.