PPSC Celebrates the First Graduates from First Nations Promise Program

Marking Milestones in Access and Student Success

Colorado Springs, CO — Wednesday, May 6, 2026 — “You Belong Here. Our Promise. Your Future” guides the mission behind Pikes Peak State College’s Promise programs, which will celebrate approximately 70 graduates this spring. This year marks significant growth and key milestones as the college continues expanding access to higher education across the region. Participation in Promise programs has increased from about 420 students in spring 2025 to 785 students this year, reflecting rising demand for affordable, supported college pathways.

PPSC’s Promise programs are designed to remove financial and structural barriers that often make college out of reach. By covering tuition and fees and providing personalized academic coaching, the programs create clear, supported pathways for students to enroll, persist and complete their degrees.

“We are proud of our students who are graduating this year and the determination it took to get here,” says Krista Wallace, Director of Promise Programs at PPSC. “For many, college once felt out of reach. Promise is about changing that reality and ensuring every student knows they belong here and have a path forward.”

The D2 Promise Program builds on that momentum as the first publicly funded Promise model of its kind in the country. Through voter-approved funding, the Harrison School District 2 community made a long-term investment to help cover tuition for local students, creating a sustainable, tuition-free pathway to PPSC. This model not only reduces financial barriers but also reflects a shared community commitment to expanding opportunity and supporting student success from high school through college.

This year marks a historic milestone with the first graduating class from the First Nations Promise Program. One of those graduates, Margo Condon, will deliver a land acknowledgment at commencement and continue at PPSC to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration. The First Nations Promise Program supports students who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, providing tuition assistance alongside culturally responsive programming, academic coaching and community-building opportunities. By combining financial support with a strong sense of belonging, the program helps students navigate college while honoring their identities, experiences and goals.

“First Nations Promise is about more than access. It is about accountability, representation, and making space for Indigenous voices in higher education,” says Margo Condon, First Nations Promise graduate. “As students, we are not just here to succeed individually. We are here to build understanding and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive community.”

Promise students will be recognized at commencement, many wearing program stoles as a symbol of their achievement and participation in a community built around their success. Photos and student stories will be shared following the celebration, along with potential interview opportunities.

PPSC’s Promise programs represent a community-driven investment in student success, workforce readiness and regional growth. By removing barriers and expanding opportunity, the college continues to open doors for students and strengthen pathways into careers and continued education.

For more information, visit pikespeak.edu/promise-programs.

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: 
Rachel Tyrrell BS, BA 
Content Coordinator
Marketing and Communications
Pikes Peak State College 
Mobile:  719-715-3297  
Email: rachel.tyrrell@pikespeak.edu