Stand up. Stand out.
Become a Colorado Student Leader.
Founder’s Letter
Dear Friends,
As the founder and CEO of Colorado Student Leaders Institute (COSLI), an affiliate of the National Conference of Governor's Schools, for over ten years I have had the privilege of working with community leaders, business people, educators, politicians, and next-door neighbors--along with students from across Colorado--who want to make sure Colorado has a strong program.
Governor's schools are summer institutes for the best and brightest high school students in a state. The goal is to retain these students, in whom the state has invested so much, for college and career. Additionally, students who participate in a governor’s school are 90% more likely to complete a four year degree in four years, as opposed to the national average of six years.
In Colorado, students live at a college or university chosen via RFP for one summer month, where they earn three hours of college credit, become young entrepreneurs, work to solve Colorado's most pressing issues, and consider how to address important ethical questions.
COSLI is a wise investment in our kids. Given that 50% of our students are required to be Pell Grant eligible and/or first-generation college students, we are breaking cycles and allowing these students to earn a head start on a college career they might have otherwise felt was out of reach. Since its founding in 2012, COSLI has risen to the top of these programs that have been in place since 1963.
Each year, we are tasked with raising the funds necessary to cover the bridge between our generous foundation donors and the small tuition that we charge as the “skin in the game” for students--it is an investment with returns that will ripple for generations. We hope you will consider making COSLI part of your giving. We look forward to returning after a short pause - with our first new class scheduled for 2027.
Thank you!
Celeste Archer
President/CEO
Colorado Student Leaders Institute
About Us
Description
Codified by SB290 in the 2015 Colorado Legislative Session, Colorado Student Leaders Institute (COSLI), was the newest member of the Governor's School network (with 57 programs), an institution steeped in a rich 60+ year history and revered throughout the nation as a highly successful model for post-secondary & life preparedness
Colorado Student Leaders Institute (COSLI) is a summer residential program on a selectively chosen college or university campus. For one month each summer, Colorado's best and brightest students, chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, live and study on the campus and earn three hours of college credit. Students choose and explore diverse topics through a lecture series by university professors, industry, political and non-profit leaders and complete 3 hands-on projects--Colorado Social Problem Lab, Short-Term Business Lab, and Daniels Ethics Case Competition.
COSLI students do not have to be formally designated as gifted and talented students, but they must demonstrate through their application that they meet the academic rigors that the program requires. At least 50% of our students must be eligible for free and reduced lunch and/or be first generation college students.
COSLI prepares students for post-secondary life by fostering leadership, independence, innovativeness, initiative, critical thinking, and creativity.
In most states, governor’s school programs are funded entirely by the state. Because of Colorado's unique budgeting paradigm, COSLI represents a strong partnership among public, private, and corporate champions. In addition to the inherent benefits students gain, it is noteworthy that up to 80% of students participating in a governor's school program elect to remain in-state for college and/or career, with up to 90% completing a four-year degree in four years, instead of the now six-year nationwide average.
Increased retention of our state's best and brightest is a critical component of a strong Colorado economy. Help us retain these important Coloradans.
Alignment
The Colorado Student Leaders Institute is aligned with the Colorado State Academic Standards.
Mission Statement
Colorado Student Leaders Institute, an affiliate of the National Conference of Governor's Schools, is an academic summer residential program for high school students who are working to become quality leaders and who promote and inspire a strong United States of America. COSLI seeks to reinforce the importance of civic engagement, entrepreneurship, responsibility, accountability, ethics and integrity in the rising generation of American leaders.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Colorado Student Leaders Institute believes that one of the great strengths of this country is the rich diversity of its residents. COSLI does not have, and will not adopt or implement, any personnel policy or practice that discriminates on the basis of race, religion (creed), national origin (ancestry), color, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, disability, political affiliation, military status, veteran status, belief, or any other protected status. This policy includes but is not limited to hiring and firing of staff, selection of students, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services.
“Think as if there is no box.”
Dr. Charles Ferguson, CU Denver