Promise Program Student Success Stories

Thriving Students: The Stories Behind the Numbers

Numbers tell one kind of story. Behind every data point is a real person who decided to bet on themselves, and found a community betting on them right back.

Qaiden Nieves

Harrison High School → D2 Promise Scholar

For Qaiden, the number one concern he hears from friends about their future is always the same – they don’t think they can afford it. With D2 Promise, that barrier is gone. In his own words, Qaiden describes what changes when cost is no longer the reason students talk themselves out of college – “It opened up a possibility I never saw myself having.”

Quetzaly Gudino

Sierra High School Graduate → PPSC Nursing Student

"My time in Promise Programs has been one of the most unique, fulfilling times of my educational journey. The initially jarring transition into college became warm and welcoming through my Promise coaches. I’ve been given the chance to meet more students, become more involved in my education and finances, and ultimately achieve my career goal of becoming a nurse."

Cristopher Nuñez

Harrison High School → Welding, PPSC

"I got to the US when I was 13 and didn’t speak the language. I never thought I would go to college. I felt left out in school because I didn’t speak English. Things changed when I learned English and doors opened. Now I graduated May 2025."

Cristopher says when he was at the point of giving up, his Promise Coach stepped in and helped him keep going – a testament to the dedicated coaching model that pairs every D2 Promise student with personalized support from enrollment through graduation.

Spencer Harris

James Irwin Charter High School Graduate → PPSC Physical Therapy Student

" Promise Programs is great for getting to know other people and networking. My coaches helped me a lot with finding jobs and keeping my grades up. That’s one of the great benefits of this program."

In Their Own Words

Gabby Cole

James Irwin → Social Work

"My favorite part is the coaches. Throughout my time here, they have been immensely helpful and are able to answer any questions a student has. They help create a positive environment and fun experiences! I would tell incoming students to do more workshops – not only do they give you credit, you also get to interact with others and learn."

Aiden Volf

Sierra → Cybersecurity

"The coaches, for sure. College has been a wild time for me, and the coaches have always been supportive and understanding. I don’t know where I’d be without them. Don’t let yourself fall behind – don’t be afraid to ask for help either. There’s always support here. That’s why I love this college so much."

Felipe Rocha Zuniga

Harrison → Business Administration

"They gave us the opportunity to attend college for free. It’s an opportunity that can change lives."

Elmer (Daniel) Garcia

Harrison → Psychology

"The D2 Promise is helping me achieve my goals by allowing me to attend Pikes Peak for 2 years for free and avoid heavy student debt at a young age. Not only am I saving money by using the D2 Promise, but it gives me a chance to save money for other things I want to do in my life such as getting a barber license from cosmetology school."

Genesis Banegas Valerio

Sierra Class of 2026 Valedictorian

"D2 Promise is a great resource for students to further their education. This support is not only financial, but community as well. D2 Promise has allowed me to set higher expectations for myself. I think this initiative is incredibly beneficial for kids like me who don’t have access to resources to go to college and pursue a fulfilling career in so many different fields."

Alex Venegas Vigil

Sierra → Sports Media

"D2 Promise is opening doors for me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sports Media. It is also helping me by allowing me to stay close to home for the first 2 years, giving me a little more time around my family who are incredibly important to me."

Iyanna Hernandez

→ Healthcare

"I chose to attend Pikes Peak State College to study healthcare. D2 Promise is helping me have a better start in college providing guidance and support including making my college experience exciting."

Hayden Peebles

Promise Scholar Class of 2024

"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."

Juan Castaneda

Promise Program Scholar and Ambassador

"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."