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Harrison District 2 Promise

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D2 Promise: Free College and Coaching for District 2 Graduates

Graduate debt-free from Pikes Peak State College.

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The D2 Promise is the first program of its kind in the nation. It covers your in-person tuition, fees, and some required course materials if you’re an eligible District 2 graduate. It's a first-dollar scholarship, which means your aid kicks in first and any grants or scholarships you receive go straight to you. That means many students get paid to go to college. With built-in support and one-on-one coaching, you can stay focused on your goals, not your bills.

Why the D2 Promise Matters

First-Dollar Funding

The D2 Promise pays your tuition and fees first. That means grants and scholarships you earn, like the Pell Grant, go directly to you. You can use that extra money for books, transportation, groceries, childcare, or anything else you need. Since 80% of D2 students are Pell eligible, most students can actually get paid to go to college.

Covers Up to 60 Credit Hours

You have up to three years to finish your associate degree or complete 60 credits. You can go full-time or part-time, whichever works best for your life, but keep in mind that this program does not cover online classes.

Support That Stays With You

Every semester, you’ll meet with a Promise Coach who’s there to help you succeed. You’ll also attend workshops to build academic skills, explore career paths, and prepare for life after college.

Learn More About Eligibility

Hear From Other Students

Vanessa Arguelles
First Generation Support

"I had someone to count on, and I was well-guided... especially being first generation." - Vanessa Arguelles, Class of 2024

Hear Vanessa's Story
Juan Castaneda
More Than a Number

"I thought 'these people... they don't care about me. I'm just a number, just some kid going to class.' But when it comes down to it, they actually do care." - Juan Castaneda, Promise Program Scholar and Ambassador

Watch Juan Talk About His Story
Hayden Peebles
Change Your Family's Lives

"I had two siblings that were also first-generation college students... None of us ever thought we'd have the money for college, and we didn't think college was in the cards for us. This program provided help to not just one of us, but to all of us." - Hayden Peebles, Class of 2024

Listen to Hayden's Story
promise student and coach meeting

You're Not Alone

Your education is paid for. Your future starts now. 

Enrollment from District 2 has grown by nearly 50 percent since the Promise began. Students feel supported, empowered, and confident. 

Your Promise Coach will help you:
  • Plan your schedule and stay on track
  • Access tutoring, mental health support, and academic resources
  • Prepare for your next step after graduation 

Have questions or ready to begin?
Talk to your high school counselor or email Promise.Programs@pikespeak.edu to get started. 

Eligibility and Application

Learn more about how to qualify for the program, how to apply for the program, and how to remain in the program.

Eligibility

  1. Graduate of:
    • Harrison High School
    • Sierra High School
    • Career Readiness Academy
    • Atlas Prep High School
    • James Irwin Charter School
    • Aspire Online Academy 
    • The Vanguard School
  2. Must have attended one of the above high schools for at least a full academic year
  3. Enroll at PPSC within 16 months of graduating high school
    • Fall semester after graduating high school 
    • Spring semester after graduating high school
    • Fall semester one year after graduating high school
  4. Completed Financial Aid application on file:
    • FAFSA (for US citizens and eligible non-citizens)
    • CASFA (for eligible non-US citizens)

Students can remain in the Promise Program for up to 3 academic years (nine semesters) by completing the following steps and remaining in compliance with the following rules:

  1. Adhere to the Promise Pledge Agreement.
  2. Complete the FAFSA (or CASFA) application each year by March 31st.
  3. Complete pending requirements for financial aid each academic year.
  4. Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA at PPSC.
  5. Complete a suggested 24 credits each academic year. 
  6. Meet with your Promise Coach at least 3X a semester.
  7. Complete Promise Program-specific workshops each semester.

If you take more than one semester off, you cannot remain in Promise Programs.**

Apply for the Program

Follow these steps to become a Promise Scholar in fall semester after you graduate high school: 

  1. Connect with your High School Counselor to make sure Promise Programs are a good fit for you.
  2. Submit PPSC Admission Application
  3. Submit your High School Transcript (unofficial transcripts accepted) by emailing to testing.center@pikespeak.edu
  4. Complete New Student Orientation. When you log in, indicate that you are a Promise Student.
  5. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for US Citizens and eligible non-citizens or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) for eligible non-US citizens
  6. Meet with an academic advisor to go over placement testing and course selection.
  7. Register for classes by July 1st*
  8. Review and complete pending financial aid requirements by July 1st*
*It may still be possible to be a part of the program after these deadlines, but meeting the deadlines is key to a successful start.

Have a question about D2 Promise?

Contact Us | Comunícate con Nosotros

D2 Promise Coaching Team | Equipo de Dakota Promise

Promise.Programs@pikespeak.edu