"I eventually want to become an anesthesiologist so it’s been really nice to learn what steps I need to take to get there and what colleges will help me achieve my goal."
– Z, Second year mentee and junior at Denver East
Minds 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.
FAFSA 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…
The 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,…
MMCO’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.
Now’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.
College 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…