Pikes Peak State College's Course Designer  Marc Nash has been recognized by Gov. Jared Polis for his collaborative work to advocate for and introduce Open Educational Resources (OER).

Since fall 2018, PPSC students have saved approximately $3.3 million dollars on these high-quality, freely available (often digital) textbooks and learning materials.

Gov. Polis named six winners of his Zero Textbook Cost Challenge, which encourages Colorado higher education institutions to increase access, equity, and affordability for students through expanding the use of OER.

Z Degrees, or zero textbook cost pathways, offer students an opportunity to undertake their program of study without spending additional money on textbooks. 

So far in Colorado, there are at least five such programs, with initiatives emerging across the state that provide students with more affordable pathways to program completion. 

About Pikes Peak State College
Established in 1968 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, PPSC offers associate degrees, certifications in career and technical fields, and three bachelors’ degrees. With three 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 20,000 students annually with both credit and non-credit classes.