FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pikes Peak State College Earns First Generation-Serving Institution Designation from Colorado Department of Higher Education
Colorado Springs, CO – April 28, 2026 – Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) has been recognized as a First Generation-Serving Institution by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), a designation that highlights the college’s ongoing commitment to expanding access and supporting student success for first-generation college students across Colorado. First-generation students—those whose parents or guardians have not completed a four-year college degree—often face unique barriers in accessing and navigating higher education. PPSC continues to address these challenges through targeted support services, inclusive teaching practices and programs designed to improve retention and completion outcomes.
The designation is awarded to institutions whose average population of first-generation resident undergraduate students meets or exceeds the statewide average over the most recent three years of available data. At PPSC, nearly half of the student population identifies as first-generation, underscoring the college’s role as a critical access point for higher education in the Pikes Peak region.
“This designation reflects who we are as an institution,” says Enrique Romo, Vice President of Student Experience and Equity at PPSC. “We are committed to meeting students where they are and providing the support, resources and opportunities they need to succeed. First-generation students bring determination, resilience and perspective that strengthen our college and our community.”
The recognition from CDHE aligns with PPSC’s broader commitment to equity and access, including its strategic efforts to close achievement gaps and expand opportunities for historically underserved student populations. To learn more about the First Generation-Serving Institution designation and view the full list of recognized colleges, visit https://cdhe.colorado.gov/first-gen.
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