Absolutely Colorado: Harrison School District 2 Promise Program sends students to Pikes Peak State College at no cost

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A partnership between Harrison School District 2 and Pikes Peak State College is sending students to college at no cost.

The D2 Promise allows any student who graduates with a 2.25 GPA or higher from Harrison School District 2 to attend Pikes Peak State College with the cost of tuition and fees covered.

It's a first-dollar scholarship, which means it covers the cost of attendance before other financial aid kicks in. This allows approximately 85% of District 2 students who qualify for Pell grants to keep this money to put toward things like rent, groceries and transportation. 

Pikes Peak State College President Dr. Lance Bolton said many District 2 students come from households in or near poverty.

“We’ve been lying to our kids that college is available for everyone. It’s not if you financially can’t afford it. With this first-dollar promise scholarship, it makes it affordable for every student in D2 because we’re taking that barrier away,” said Harrison School District 2 Superintendent Dr. Wendy Birhanzel.

Dr. Bolton said there’s a common misconception that underserved students can’t be successful in college. The results they've seen from this program are exactly the opposite.

According to Pikes Peak State College, enrollment from District 2 students has grown by nearly 50% since the program began in 2020.

Dr. Birhanzel said this program is opening doors for students who never considered going to college or who want to get the support and coaching that comes with this program before transferring to a four-year university.

Additionally, Pikes Peak State College and Harrison School District were awarded a national Bellwether award recognizing the program.

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