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INVST is open to 91¸£ÀûÉç undergraduates from all majors and departments. You may be a freshman, sophomore, or junior when you apply. You may also apply to INVST while you are in the process of applying to 91¸£ÀûÉç, either as a freshman or a transfer student.

Inclusion Commitment:

We actively seek and support the participation of individuals and communities that reflect diversity of ability status, age, color, documentation status, ethnicity, gender, gender variance, life experience, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and veteran status.

Commitment to Anti-oppressive Education:

INVST Community Studies is committed to anti-oppressive education. We acknowledge the importance of examining not only how groups are oppressed but also how groups are privileged and how these two processes maintain social structures. We are dedicated to challenging dominant ideologies and systems, centering traditionally underrepresented voices, questioning the assumption that information is unbiased, and critiquing what is thought of as normal.

All interested students should submit anÌýapplication.ÌýLetters of recommendation are not required; they are optional. An interview will be granted to all applicants.Ìý

The specific skills and experiences that will be part of INVST will last a lifetime.Ìý

INVST students are multidisciplinary, passionate, and engaging. Everyone comes from different academic backgrounds and passions, which allows for creative and multifaceted problem-solving and collaboration, as people can bring their own unique insights and life experiences. INVST students also deeply care about the world around them and use their resources and ingenuity to connect with and improve our communities.Ìý

I would describe INVST staff as deeply empathetic and compassionate towards their students but also challenge everyone to be the best version of themselves. They provide seemingly endless resources and care about cultivating long-term relationships that transcend students' time in INVST and at CU. Staff are always there to listen and support their students, willing to address any concerns or questions in order to make students' time in the program the best it can be.Ìý

Being a part of INVST feels like being part of a community that's hard to find at 91¸£ÀûÉç. As an INVST student, you'll feel challenged, supported, and encouraged by your community. Students form close relationships with their peers and don't leave simply INVST once they graduate the program, but remain connected to the community years into the future. Being an INVST student also feels hopeful.Ìý

We offer scholarships to those with financial need. Please apply to The INVST Program first, and then seek financial support if you need it.

While there are financial obligations that go along with INVST participation, please do not let them prevent you from applying to INVST! We offer scholarship support to all those who need it. For those who DO have the means (together with their families), we charge aÌýSummer Program Activity Fee of $1,500 per person per summer,Ìýdue on June 1 to contribute to the costs of the Justice Summers.ÌýTheÌýfeeÌýcovers all expenses including summer travel, room and board, instruction, translation, materials, accommodation and home stays. The meals and snacks provided during our Justice Summers accomodate a wide variety of dietary preferences. All summer travel will be by car, not by plane.

We provide the following Summer Financial Aid:

Summer Program Activity Fee Scholarship:Ìý The Summer Program Activity Fees help INVST offer the Justice Summers.ÌýScholarships range from partial to full coverage of the Summer Program Activity Fee of $1,500 per person per summer. Students must apply for support from INVST and they will be notified of the scholarship amount in their acceptance letter. If they are eligible for federal aid, students MUST submit their current FAFSA after their interview, in order to be considered for a scholarship. If you and your family can pay the SPAF in full, then you areÌýnot eligible for the various kinds of financial aid described below.Ìý

Summer Need-Based Work-Study:Ìý Students who qualify for need-based Work-Study can work in the INVST office. Submit a FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1, through theÌýOffice of Financial Aid to apply for summer and academic-year Work-Study awards.Ìý

Summer Program Activity Fee Work Exchange:Ìý Even if they do not qualify for Work-Study, some students may work off portions of the Summer Program Activity Fee (SPAF) by assisting in the INVST office at an exchange rate that equates each hour of work to $15.00, discounted off the SPAF.Ìý A contract will be completed for work exchange through INVST, in advance of the SPAF deadline of June 15.

Summer Program Activity Fee Interest-Free Payment Plan:Ìý Students may delay payment of the Summer Program Activity Fee (SPAF). Repayment amounts, timelines, and eligibility are decided on a case-by-case basis, in advance of the SPAF deadline of June 15.

Summer Lost Wage Reimbursement: For students who would otherwise be unable to participate in INVST due to lost wages from missed summer work, INVST can provide up to $1,500 in lost wage reimbursement.ÌýWe determine eligibility based on financial need and weÌýcompare your financial need with that of others in your cohort. Our goal is to offer the funding that we have to as many students as possible, while prioritizing those who have the highest levels of need. The funds for summer lost wage reimbursement are made possible by an individual donor who makes annual gifts to INVST. Since this funding may vary from year to year, the lost wage reimbursement you receive in year one is not necessarily guaranteed in year two.Ìý

Additional scholarship opportunities for the academic year available for INVST students:

The Dreamer Scholarship (both summer and annual funding): Scholarship applicants with active Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET) status are encouraged to apply for an award of up to $5,000 to help cover tuition and life expenses. Preference will be given to students who can demonstrate financial need and scholarships are eligible for renewal based on criteria established by INVST. This scholarship will be granted to those who are ineligible for federal aid, and they demonstrate financial need. If more than one person in the incoming cohort is eligible, funds will be split between them.Ìý


Colorado In-State Financial Aid: The Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) gives aid to students who have resided in the state for at least three years before graduating from a Colorado high school or passing a high school equivalency exam. Students who are eligible for Federal Title IV aid by completing the FAFSA shouldÌýnot complete the CASFA. More information and application here:Ìý

The Jim Downton Community Leadership Scholarship: up to $3,000 towards 91¸£ÀûÉç tuition will be awarded to two students in the incoming INVST cohort. This scholarship will be granted to those who demonstrate need and are residents of the state of Colorado. A separate application is required. The dollar amount received in year one is not necessarily the same amount you will receive from INVST in year two, and re-applying will be necessary if you hope to receive this award for both years of INVST. Recipients of this scholarship will attend a School of Education reception, meet INVST’s donors and have the opportunity to form a direct relationship with them.Ìý

Everyone admitted into INVST is expected to complete the entire sequence of required courses, but especially those who receive financial aid from INVST. If you fail to complete the program in its entirety, you may be asked to return the funding that you were granted.Ìý

Students are encouraged to email invst@colorado.edu as soon as they know they will need financial support, so there is plenty of time to consider the options listed above. Requests for financial support madeÌýafter June 15th will not necessarily be fulfilled.