FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Pikes Peak State College Earns Colorado Department of Higher Education Inaugural Basic Needs Campus Designation-Comprehensive Tier 
Colorado Springs, CO – Tuesday, June 30, 2026 – Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) has been recognized by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) as part of the inaugural cohort of institutions receiving the Colorado Basic Needs Campus Designation– Comprehensive Tier. The designation recognizes colleges and universities that support students' essential needs, including food security, mental health, financial wellness, transportation and access to critical resources. 

"Student success doesn't happen by accident," said Dr. Lance Bolton, President of Pikes Peak State College. "It requires intentional support, strong partnerships, and a college-wide commitment to helping students overcome barriers and achieve their goals. This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and partners who make that work possible every day." 

The designation recognizes the collective efforts of departments and programs across the college, including the Counseling Center, Student Assistance Scholarships, Single Stop, the Canvas Community Food Pantries and Mobile Food Markets, and other student support services. 

Through Student Assistance Scholarships, PPSC awarded 337 scholarships totaling $132,285 during the 2025-26 academic year to help students overcome basic needs, academic and childcare barriers. Since the program's inception, 573 students have received more than $312,000 in support. The college also invested more than $281,000 in computer subsidies during the academic year, helping 505 students access the technology needed to succeed. 

Through Single Stop, PPSC served 529 households and made 2,597 referrals with a potential benefit value exceeding $12.4 million. In partnership with Canvas Credit Union, the Canvas Community Food Pantries and Mobile Food Markets provided free food to 49,991 visitors between July 2025 and May 2026. 

Mental health support remains a cornerstone of PPSC's student success efforts. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, the Counseling Center provided 1,648 counseling appointments, with nearly 44% involving students in crisis. The center also delivered more than 15 mental health presentations each semester and expanded access to care through BetterMynd telehealth services, which supported 86 students. In May, the Counseling Center hosted the inaugural Rooted in Resilience Mental Health Symposium, drawing 128 attendees with presentation from 15 community organizations focused on mental wellness and resilience. 

"Together, these efforts underscore the Counseling Center's multifaceted approach to student mental health, combining direct care, crisis response, outreach, and innovative service delivery models to meet the diverse needs of the student population," said Dr. Yolanda Harris, director of the Counseling Center at Pikes Peak State College. 

The designation comes during a year of significant recognition for student success initiatives at PPSC. In 2026, the college received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award and the Top Colleges for Innovation Award from Insight Into Academia. PPSC was also named a finalist for the Bellwether Award in Workforce Development and received the Best in Showcase Award. 

The Colorado Basic Needs Campus Designation reflects a growing understanding that students are more likely to persist and complete their education when their essential needs are met. By helping students overcome barriers and access resources, PPSC continues to strengthen student success and support the future workforce of the Pikes Peak region. 

To learn more about the CDHE Basic Needs Designaiton, visit cdhe.colorado.gov/basic-needs. For more information about student support services at Pikes Peak State College, visit pikespeak.edu/student-support. 

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.