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We believe in the possibility of a just and sustainable world.Ìý We develop community leaders who engage in compassionate action as a lifetime commitment.ÌýINVST is an academic program that admits up to 16Ìýstudents each year in order to foster a small, interactive environment. The program combines practical skills training, meaningful community-based action, and theory in a unique, participatory model. Students who successfully complete The INVST Program can earn the Leadership Studies Minor from CU Â鶹ӰԺ.

Change your life, while learning to change the world, in INVST.

INVST is open to CU Â鶹ӰԺ 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 CU Â鶹ӰԺ, either as a freshman or a transfer student.Ìý

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.

We ask you to consider the time commitment required for the 2-year INVST Program. Participants are required to do 4-6 hours of community-based action per week, during each of four semesters.Ìý In addition, students in INVST occasionally attend voluntary committee meetings to help with outreach, fundraising, curriculum design and staff hiring. All of this gives INVST students first-hand experience.ÌýIf you would like to evaluate whether or not you have enough time to participate, the INVST staff at 303-492-8045 would be happy to discuss how your current activities might be incorporated with program requirements. It is possible, for those who would be unable to do an unpaid internship, to choose a paid internship during the first year in INVST. We also offer stipends to compensate you for your time if you have financial need. As well, we offerÌýaffordable, sustainable housing in one of four local housing cooperatives -- an opportunity exclusively available to INVST students.

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

Please complete our INVST application which is aÌýGoogle form. We expect that it will take you one hour or less to complete the application.ÌýYour optional letter(s) of recommendation can be emailed to invst@colorado.edu.ÌýLetters of recommendation are not required to apply to INVST. We accept applications on a rolling basis. Submit your application any time.Ìý

If you have any questions about the applicationÌýprocess, contact invst@colorado.edu.

We offer scholarships to those with financial need. Please apply to INVST 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.

If you are accepted into The INVST Program and you needÌýfinancial assistance, we provideÌýthe followingÌýoptions:

The DreamerÌýScholarship: 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 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 should not complete the CASFA. More info and application here:Ìý

Receive funding to travel with us in Summer 2024: Students who are accepted into the INVST Class of 2024-2026Ìýare eligible to receive up to $1,500 in funding to replace wages you would have earned at your summer job. We hope this will allow you to apply to INVST and join us for transformative learning and community-based action.

We know INVST is a significant time commitment. That's why we have partnered with a generous donor in the community. We will fund you toÌýtake 3 weeks off from your summer job and instead travel with us on the unique and memorable Climate Justice Summer.Ìý

The Jim Downton Community Leadership Scholarship of up to $3,000 towards CU Â鶹ӰԺ tuition will be awarded to two students in the incoming INVST class. This scholarship will be granted to those who demonstrate need and are residents of the state of Colorado.

Earn the Leadership Studies Minor from CU Â鶹ӰԺ! INVST is one of the pathways to earning the Leadership Studies Minor.ÌýFor more information, please see the following web site: administered by