FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

First in Their Families: A Downtown Moment Marks Lifelong Impact for Local Students 

Alpine Bank and Pikes Peak State College Foundation recognize first generation scholars with new scholarship 

Colorado Springs, CO — Two Pikes Peak State College students will stand in downtown Colorado Springs on Friday, Feb. 27, not only to receive scholarships, but to mark a milestone no one in their families has reached before.  

Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) Foundation and Alpine Bank will celebrate their scholarship partnership and honor two first-generation college students during a recognition event from 10-11am at Alpine Bank’s Antlers location, 90 S. Cascade Ave. #100, in the heart of downtown. 

This new scholarship from local Alpine Bank supports students who are determined to complete a degree or certificate at Pikes Peak State College. This determination is crucial, since these students often must balance work, family, and financial responsibilities, all while pursuing a degree or certificate. As first-generation college students, they are navigating higher education without the benefit of family precedent, making targeted support especially impactful. 

“These moments matter because they represent more than financial assistance,” says Donna Nelson, Chief Development Officer of the Foundation. They represent belief. When a local partner like Alpine Bank invests in first-generation students, it sends a powerful message that this community is invested in their future.” 

The 2026 scholarship recipients are Kristin Andrew, who is pursuing an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Veronica “Max” Moreno Silva, who is pursuing an Associate of Science in the medical field. Both students are residents of El Paso County and are working toward careers that serve the community they call home. In addition to financial assistance, these scholarship recipients will receive support from a COSI support coach, who provides guidance that will help the scholars overcome challenges and move steadily toward completion. 

“Alpine Bank is proud to support the incoming Pikes Peak State College scholars through our scholarship partnership.” says Laura Lyman, SVP, Lender/Manager at Alpine Bank. “We are especially honored to collaborate with a local institution that plays such an important role in advancing opportunities and enriching the community. We are grateful for the impact that PPSC continues to make." 

Local media is invited to the reception on February 27 from 10-11am at Alpine Bank in the Antlers hotel, featuring scholarship recipients alongside Alpine Bank representatives and PPSC Foundation leadership, who are open to speaking about all this partnership and scholarship means to them.  

Students interested in applying for this scholarship covering the 2026–2027 academic year can apply by submitting a General Scholarship application at pikespeak.edu/scholarships. Eligible students must be a first-generation college student, reside in El Paso or Teller County, enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA or CASFA. For questions about this scholarship, reach out to paul.jimenez@pikespeak.edu.  

About Pikes Peak State College (PPSC): 
Established in 1968 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Pikes Peak offers associate degrees, certificates in career and technical fields and a growing number of bachelors’ degrees. With four campuses, various off-campus locations, two military education centers, and hundreds of online classes, PPSC provides access to a quality, affordable and flexible education to more than 17,000 students annually with both credit and non-credit classes. 

Media Contact:  
Donna Nelson 
Chief Development Officer 
Pikes Peak State College Foundation 
Mobile: (719) 715-3897