Colorado Springs, CO – June 12, 2024 – The state of Colorado has launched the Opportunity Next scholarship program to address workforce shortages across the state and make pursuing higher education more attainable for high school graduates or GED completers. Under Opportunity Next, the Class of 2024 will receive up to $1,500 per student to cover tuition, fees, books, and equipment when enrolling in High Priority Pathways (HPP). 

HPPs are eight industries in need of skilled workers across the state of Colorado. The eight HPPs are advanced manufacturing, computer and information science, education, engineering and
technology, family and social sciences, health professions and transportation. Opportunity Next incentivizes graduates to pursue secondary education in these areas with the promise of funding.

Pikes Peak State College says it is uniquely positioned to support students taking advantage of Opportunity Next because the institution offers degrees and certificates in seven of the eight 
HPPs. “For those looking to take advantage of Opportunity Next, PPSC is the right fit,” says Jacquelyn Gaiters-Jordan, Vice President of Instructional Services at Pikes Peak State College.

“PPSC exists for our community. Our aim is to prepare students for workforce demands. This objective aligns seamlessly with the goal of Opportunity Next, making PPSC the perfect place to 
take advantage of this scholarship. We want to see students in our classrooms who didn't think it was possible for them to be in those seats. Thanks to Opportunity Next and Colorado Promise, 
it’s now not only possible to earn a degree or certificate but makes more sense than ever.”

Colorado Promise complements Opportunity Next by promising reimbursement of out-of-pocket tuition and fees during their first two years of college for students with family incomes of $90,000 or less. Colorado Promise significantly reduces financial barriers, broadening access to higher education without the burden of debt. These state initiatives open doors for many young Coloradoans to fill tomorrow’s workforce with skilled expertise.

For more information on the Opportunity Next scholarship program, please visit opportunitynext.org. To learn more about the Colorado Promise program, visit the Colorado Department of Higher Education at cdhe.colorado.gov. To apply to Pikes Peak State College, visit pikespeak.edu/apply.