Abstract

In fiscal year 2005–2006, the state of Colorado implemented the Colorado College Opportunity Fund (COF), which was initiated by Senate Bill 04–189. The COF is a unique postsecondary education state funding mechanism intended to provide direct funding to students through the use of stipends. The initiative introduced this new funding approach with the expectation that it would allow community colleges to have greater flexibility with state funding, provide enhanced educational opportunities for low-income and other underrepresented Colorado residents, and increase operational efficiency in postsecondary education, specifically community colleges. This study analyzed the Colorado Community College System’s enrollment data and compared enrollment trends before and after the COF was implemented to determine if there were any significant changes in enrollment trends, and to evaluate the efficacy of the COF’s underlying policies of accessibility and affordability.