COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Oct. 17, 2023 - Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) and Peak Education, an organization that supports low-income students with the college admissions process, today announced a significant partnership.

Two-year pilot program will help increase postsecondary education rates for local students through concurrent enrollment and wrap-around support services

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Oct. 17, 2023 - Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) and Peak Education, an organization that supports low-income students with the college admissions process, today announced a significant partnership to increase concurrent enrollment opportunities and wrap-around support services for students throughout Colorado Springs. This collaboration further supports a shared goal of closing educational opportunity gaps in the community and PPSC’s commitment to becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution. 

Key highlights of the agreement include: 

• Staffing: PPSC is committed to supporting a full-time Concurrent Enrollment Navigator, who will be recruited, hired, and trained by Peak Education. This advisor will play a vital role in implementing the partnership’s initiatives, providing direct support to outlined activities, and fostering connections with Hispanic/Latiné students and families through fluency in Spanish and a bicultural background.
• Implementation Committee: PPSC and Peak Education will create an implementation committee to ensure new students are enrolled and well supported. Support will include monitoring of academic progress, mentorship opportunities and access to Peak Education programming which has a 25 year history of producing strong results including 100% on time graduation rates and an over 90% enrollment in postsecondary options after high school.
• Target Schools: PPSC has identified ten target schools where the Concurrent Enrollment Advisor will focus their efforts. Schools will span across the city in districts 2, 3, 11, 20, and 49. Options to support students from other Colorado Springs metro area schools will also be undertaken as resources allow. 

“Concurrent enrollment can greatly improve postsecondary completion but typically students in lower income communities see less opportunities for it. For this reason, we aim to make concurrent enrollment options more accessible,” said Peak Education CEO Carlos Jiménez. “We’re excited to be partnering with PPSC to increase access to these resources for students throughout the city.” 

The partnership aims to accomplish several key outcomes, including: 

• A net increase of at least 50 high school students who identify as Hispanic/Latiné enrolled in concurrent enrollment coursework across target schools.
• Successful completion of a semester in concurrent enrollment courses with a grade of B or better through Peak Education’s support.
• Reduction of gaps in concurrent enrollment rates among local Hispanic/Latiné students.
• Increased awareness of concurrent enrollment, ASCENT, and Promise opportunities. 

“The signing of this agreement signifies a significant step towards fostering educational opportunities and success for students in Colorado Springs,” said Lance Bolton, President of at PPSC. “We’re eager to embark on this 2-year pilot program and contribute to the advancement of higher education in the region.” 

For more information on Peak Education, visit peakedu.org. 

About Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) 
Pikes Peak State College is a leading educational institution committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities to all, with a specific focus on student success and community needs. PPSC’s dedication to diversity and inclusion drives its mission to become a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Learn more at pikespeak.edu. 

About Peak Education 
Peak Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing opportunity gaps in the community. By partnering with educational institutions like PPSC, Peak Education aims to build off of a 25 year history of success in creating great postsecondary outcomes for youth from Colorado Springs, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future.

Learn more at peakedu.org.