FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pikes Peak State College Becomes Colorado’s Only College Offering Concurrent Enrollment for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Colorado Springs, CO — Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) has received a grant from Disabling Barriers to expand its ASPIRE Scholars Program, a statewide first that makes PPSC the only institution of higher education in Colorado authorized to offer concurrent enrollment to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Funding supports program operations from November 2025 through November 2026.

The ASPIRE Scholars Program (Achieving Success through Personalized Inclusive Real-world Education) provides a person-centered, inclusive higher education pathway for traditional, nontraditional and transfer students ages 18–21. Through ASPIRE, eligible students with I/DD can enroll in college courses while still in high school, earning credit and participating fully in campus life alongside their peers.

Disabling Barriers is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing inclusion, independence and opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through strategic grantmaking, the organization supports programs that remove systemic barriers and expand access to education, employment and community participation.

“This is about access, dignity and opportunity,” said Dr. Kassy Lopez, ASPIRE Program Manager. “ASPIRE opens doors that have historically been closed to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Being the only college in Colorado able to offer concurrent enrollment to this population allows us to create real college pathways that lead to independence, employment and community engagement.”

ASPIRE Scholars work toward a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate through individualized academic planning, modified coursework and inclusive classroom experiences. The program also emphasizes career exploration, internships, peer mentoring, social engagement and independent living skill development. Academic supports are coordinated with accommodations provided through PPSC Accessibility Services.

To be eligible for ASPIRE, applicants must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate and possess documentation of an intellectual disability that impacts learning. Students are expected to demonstrate a strong interest in career development, commit to full participation in the college experience and actively engage in ASPIRE programming. Participants must be able to manage personal care independently or with a personal care attendant and safely navigate the campus after orientation and training.

“This investment removes barriers that have long limited college access for students with I/DD,” said Dr. Jessica Castillo, Grants Development Director. “It also reinforces PPSC’s leadership in inclusive education and our commitment to sustaining ASPIRE for families across southern Colorado.”

In addition to grant funding, the ASPIRE team works closely with K–12 partners to identify students who could benefit from the program and to create a clear, supported transition from secondary education into college.

Applications for the 2026–2027 ASPIRE Scholars Program are now open. Applications are accepted through Jan. 31, 2026. Interviews will be held in February 2026 and applicants will be notified of acceptance by April 30, 2026. More information is available at pikespeak.edu/aspire.

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 four 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 inMarketing and Communications at Pikes Peak State College 
Mobile:  719-715-3297  
Email: rachel.tyrrell@pikespeak.edu 
Pronouns: she/her