The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative Board functions as an advisory board and is responsible for promulgating rules, carrying out the strategic plan and vision of COSI, identifying and supporting growth and expansion of the program, and considering and approving funds.
The COSI “why” focuses on students first, and our board members are ready to bring their unique perspective and have a passion for serving students and making higher education more attainable for all Coloradans. The board works to promulgate rules, carry out the strategic plan and vision of COSI, identify and support growth and expansion of the program, and consider and approve funds.
The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative is entering a phase of growth and innovation. Board members play an important role alongside COSI staff to influence and shape the program in this critical time. With $64 million in federal stimulus, COSI is expanding two new programs that target adults with some college, no degree and aims to build a stronger Colorado workforce by focusing on the state’s top job needs.
Fifteen members serve on the COSI Advisory Board, which recently changed structure based on the passage of SB21-179.
Seven members to be appointed by the Executive Director of the Department of Labor designee and the Executive Director of Higher Education or his or her designee. Appointments will include:
- One person representing a four-year research institution in the state
- One person representing a four-year postsecondary institution in the state
- One person representing the community colleges and area technical colleges in the state
- One person representing workforce centers
- One person representing economic development corporations
- One person who is a current or former participant of the initiative for a two-year institution of higher education
- One person who is a current or former participant of the initiative for a four-year institution of higher education
Four persons from the Colorado Workforce Development Council created in section 24-46.3-101, to be appointed by the Executive Director of the Department of Labor or his or her designee.
Four persons, either Commissioners of Colorado Commission of Higher Education created in section 23-1-102, members of the advisory committee to the Colorado Commission of Higher Education created in section 23-1-103, or any combination thereof, appointed by the Executive Director of the Department of Higher Education or his or her designee.
| Ana Temu-Otting Board Chair, Colorado Commission on Higher Education |  | Daniel Bala Former COSI Scholar representing a two-year institution |
 | Dr. Ryan Barone Colorado State University Representing a four-year institution |  | Commissioner Richard Elsner Colorado Workforce Development Council |
| Chancellor Joe Garcia Colorado Community College System |
| Lisandra Gonzales Colorado Commission on Higher Education |
| Tara Hosick Colorado Workforce Development Council |
| Nahum Kisner Representing a 4-year Institution |
| Dr. Teina McConnell Colorado Workforce Development Council - Area Technical College | 
| Tanya Muniz Workforce Center |
| Lindsey Sandoval Former COSI Scholar representing a four-year institution |  | Dr. Dedrick Sims Colorado Workforce Development Council |
| Dr. Eric Tucker Colorado Commission on Higher Education | 
| Kim Woodworth Vice Chair, Economic Development Council of Colorado |
The COSI Board is scheduled to meet on the following dates:
2024-2025
- July 18, 2024 (retreat)
- September 20, 2024
- December 12, 2024
- March 19, 2025
- May 14, 2025
The agenda for each board meeting will be posted in the link below about two weeks prior to the meeting.