Beyond Acceptance: Why Minds Matter Colorado Is Growing Into a Seven-Year Model
Author: Chad Cookinham, Executive Director, Minds Matter Colorado Key Takeaways Getting into college is a milestone, not the finish line. The first year of college is where many talented students lose momentum, often for reasons that have nothing to do with ability. Minds Matter Colorado is growing from a three-year high school program into…
Read MoreMinds Matter Colorado Names Chad Cookinham Executive Director
Minds Matter Colorado, a college access and mentoring program for high-achieving students from low-income families, today announced that Chad Cookinham has been named its new Executive Director. Cookinham brings more than two decades of experience in education and nonprofit leadership.
Read MoreFAFSA Season: What Every Senior and Family Should Know
Author: Alex Goldberg, Director of Advancement, Minds Matter Colorado Key Takeaways The 2027–28 FAFSA opened October 1 and uses 2025 tax information, so families can file now without waiting for this year’s taxes. Every contributor, usually a parent, needs their own StudentAid.gov account and must give consent for their tax information to be shared. Without…
Read MoreThe Next Chapter: Supporting Students Beyond College Acceptance
For three years, Minds Matter Colorado students spend their Monday evenings working toward an extraordinary goal. Alongside their mentors, they strengthen their academic skills, prepare for standardized tests, explore colleges and careers, spend summers on college campuses across the country, complete applications and scholarships, and ultimately decide where to take their next step. Then, finally,…
Read MoreMMCO’s Fall 2025 Newsletter
We’re celebrating the start of our 21st academic year with 108 amazing students and exciting program enhancements! Plus, explore national success in the 2024–25 Minds Matter College Report, learn about our new College Support Pilot and strengthened advising initiatives, and meet six inspiring new board members. Don’t miss our 2024–25 Impact Report highlighting student achievements—and discover smart ways to make your giving go further in 2025.
Read MoreNow’s the Time to Plan Your Giving
With new tax rules taking effect in 2026, this year is an especially meaningful time to support Minds Matter Colorado students. As we head into the season of giving and you might be considering making your first give or a larger gift, 2025 is the year to do it.
Read MoreCollege Support Pilot
At Minds Matter Colorado, we know that college acceptance is just the beginning of a student’s journey. That’s why we’ve launched the College Support Pilot—a light-lift, high-touch pilot program designed to help our newest alumni navigate the critical first year of college with confidence and connection. Serving 33 graduates from the Class of 2025, the…
Read MoreIntroducing Our New College Advising Initiative
At Minds Matter Colorado, we know that the college journey doesn’t start senior year, it starts the moment students begin to see college as possible. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our new College Advising Initiative, an intentional expansion of our programming that provides individualized, high-touch support to juniors and seniors as they navigate every stage of the college admissions and financial aid process.
Read MoreA Warm Welcome to Our Newest Board Members!
Our latest round of new Board Members share a passion for strategic innovation and community engagement. Get to know them!
Read MoreMMCO’s Summer Newsletter
In this issue, find details on how you can become a mentor and make a lasting impact in students’ lives as applications open for the 2025-26 school year. We also celebrate the Class of 2025’s achievements, invite you to our Alumni Reunion on June 18th, and share exciting updates about our 2025-26 program advancements. Plus, relive the success of our 20th Anniversary CELEBRATE event and learn how you can support MMCO’s future through gift planning.
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