About the Government Affairs Updates series
As the federal policy landscape continues to shift rapidly, potential impacts on higher education, and Metropolitan State University of Denver in particular, are top-of-mind. MSU Denver’s Office of Strategy and External Affairs, in partnership with University Communications and Marketing and experts from across the University, is providing timely, transparent and clear information through this series of Early Bird Q&A articles. Visit the Government Affairs website for more information and updates.
The U.S. Department of Education announced in September it will discontinue certain discretionary grant programs for Minority-Serving Institutions, including funding directed at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
Q: Were any grants made to MSU Denver affected?
A: The Education Department’s action affected two University grants:
POHA-Denver Diversity Nutrition Scholarship and Stipend Program
This grant was scheduled to end in September 2025, so it was already approaching its planned close.
Space Tech Scholars
The University is currently in year four of a five-year grant. Due to the policy shift, we do not expect to receive the fifth year of funding. However, we are applying for a no-cost extension, which would allow us to continue using funds from the first four years—without additional funding—through Sept. 30, 2026.
Q: How might the discontinuation of Minority-Serving Institution grant programs affect MSU Denver moving forward?
A: Metropolitan State University of Denver does not anticipate further financial impact from the U.S. Department of Education’s recent decision. Our active HSI grants currently support all students in areas tied to Colorado’s and the nation’s workforce needs.
Resources and support
MSU Denver’s Financial Aid Office and Government Affairs team are monitoring these changes closely and will share updates and guidance directly as more details are available.
