Finish What You Started: Miranda Murphy

Miranda Murphy lives in Rifle where she takes Colorado Mountain College classes online and at the Rifle campus. She will earn her Associate of Arts degree and then plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in sustainability studies.

Miranda learned about Finish What You Started through CMC’s TRIO Student Support Services program, which offers several federally funded programs to help low-income students enter and graduate from college.

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.

"I was coming back to college after 20 years so it was right down my alley," Miranda said of the grant. "It really helps out because I'm a full-time student, I'm an older student and have things like a mortgage."

Miranda said the program and CMC have been "helpful and amazing."

Miranda’s grant has helped to ensure her internet service is paid up so she can take classes and pay similar expenses that support her education.

"CMC makes it very easy to find the information I need,” she said. “They have a lot of workshops that are very helpful, too. The Finish What You Started program definitely serves a purpose and will really help me finish my education."