Finish What You Started: Katie Anderson

Katie Anderson lives in Avon and takes classes online and at the CMC Vail Valley at Edwards campus. She completed her emergency medical technician certificate at Colorado Mountain College, passed the state certification test and now works for an ambulance service.

She also wanted to get a paramedic certificate, so she started those classes at CMC. Katie, 37, received a Finish What You Started grant to help with college expenses.

Part of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative at CMC, the Finish What You Started program can provide students with up to $4,000 based on a student's field of study and financial need. If students remain in good standing, their grants can be renewed.

"It's been super helpful," she said. "Especially at this stage of my life, with kids and a family."

Katie juggles family life with classes and work shifts.

"Education costs money, so it's been great" to have the grant, she said. "I'm getting great experience working on an ambulance and I'm slowly taking classes for the paramedic certificate. I'm kind of on a five-year plan."

Katie said once she earns a paramedic certificate, she might decide to be a paramedic with Eagle County Paramedic Services or work in the hospital. “Either way, my EMT certificate has already opened the door to so much opportunity,” Katie said.