IMPACTING THE PIKES PEAK REGION
EMPOWERING
EDUCATION
At Peak Education, we believe access to quality education is key to unlocking a brighter future. Our commitment to empowering scholars has led to remarkable achievements in academic success and post-graduation opportunities. With 445 current scholars in our program and 141 alumni who have earned degrees, we continue to provide the guidance and resources necessary for students to reach their full potential. In 2024, we celebrated a 100% high school graduation rate, a testament to the effectiveness of our support systems.
To further assist first-generation scholars in finding the right educational path, we launched Interwoven, a new app designed to help students navigate their options and select the best-fit school.
Additionally, the Pikes Peak Educational Foundation, we awarded over $10,000 in scholarships, easing financial barriers and opening doors to higher education. By expanding access to opportunities and personalized support, we ensure our scholars are equipped to thrive in their academic journeys and beyond.
OVERVIEW
2024 IMPACT STATS
$10K+
Provided to Scholars
from PPEF
141
Alumni with Degrees
445
Current
Scholars
100%
2024 Graduation Rate
THE 2024 PEAK EDUCATION COHORT IS ON TRACK TO CONTRIBUTE
Nearly $20M to the Economy
SUPPORTING SCHOLARS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Peak Education is a driver of economic and workforce development in the Pikes Peak region. The 2024 Peak Ed cohort of 18 scholars is on track to contribute nearly $20M to the economy. With each passing year, our program continues to grow, and projections show that our 2026 cohort is set to contribute an impressive $60.475M.
DIFFERENCE MADE IN THE 2024 PEAK EDUCATION COHORT
16.9-19%
Difference in CO Average High School Graduation Rate.
12.7-17.8%
Difference in National Average High School Graduation Rate.
28.2-47.8%
Difference in CO Average Post-Secondary Enrollment Rate.
14-20%
Difference in National Average High School Graduation Rate.
COLLEGE MATTERS
EDUCATION FUELS A HEALTHIER, STRONGER ECONOMY
Investing in education means investing in a healthier, more secure future for everyone. Higher education leads to better jobs, greater financial stability, and healthier lifestyles—reducing the burden on healthcare and public services.
Peak Education empowers students and families with the knowledge and opportunities to break cycles of poverty, make healthier choices, and build a stronger community. When education thrives, so does our economy—and so do the lives of those within it.
$1,500
Annual Savings in Lower
Healthcare Cost
5+
Years in Higher
Life Expectancy
19%
Better Health InsuranceCoverage
Rates than a High School Graduate
27%
Less Likely to Live in
Poverty
COLLEGE GRADUATES EXPERIENCE
As We Grow, so Does Our Impact
THE 2026 PEAK EDUCATION COHORT IS ON TRACK TO CONTRIBUTE
Over $60M to the Economy
SUCCESSFUL WORKING MODEL
PEAK EDUCATION
SCHOLAR DATA
9
Certificates
71
Bachelor's Degrees
1
Doctorate's
46
Associate's Degrees
14
Master's Degrees
141 ALUMNI WITH DEGREES
445 CURRENT SCHOLARS
57
College Success Program
24
2025
Cohort
75
2027
Cohort
95
2029
Cohort
62
2026
Cohort
64
2028
Cohort
68
2030
Cohort
4%
American Indian orAlaska Native
5%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
11%
White
23%
Black or African American
2%
Other
35%
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin
18%
Prefer Not to Say
166
Males
6
Non-Binary
267
Females
6
Prefer Not to Say
445 SCHOLAR DEMOGRAPHICS
445 SCHOLAR
GENDER
DEMOGRAPHIC
18
American Indian
/Alaska Native
7
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
22
Asian
49
White
106
Black or
African American
7
Other
155
Hispanic, Latino,
or Spanish origin
81
Prefer Not
to Say
166
Male
6
Non-Binary
267
Female
6
Prefer Not to Say
SUPPORTING SCHOLARS
PIKES PEAK EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Pikes Peak Educational Foundation (PPEF) was established by founders Dr. Dalton Conner and Steve Mullins to assist with providing scholarships to Peak Education Scholars. Close friends and trailblazers have utilized the foundation as an opportunity to provide a major gift and/or bequest. These gifts support Scholarships, programming, and general operations and contribute to lasting impact through transforming the lives of Peak Education Scholars.
The foundation is managed by a board of directors who have had a long-standing interest in Peak Education and who also serve as community ambassadors for Peak Education.
FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
$10K+
Provided to Scholars
from PPEF
445
Current
Scholars
141
Alumni with
Degrees
100%
2024 Graduation
Rate
ANSWERING THE NEED
INTERWOVEN
We want to demystify the college experience and search process who feel overwhelmed, isolated, or under-resourced. InterWoven is a groundbreaking web platform designed by Peak Ed Scholars, created to help students learn about college. InterWoven is the only platform that addresses connecting students from low-income, first-generation, rural communities with their peers in college to create greater access and knowledge in their higher education search. Students deserve an encouraging space to interact and become more knowledgeable about their options.
TESTIMONIALS
WORDS FROM PARTNERS
Our partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. We're deeply grateful for the incredible support and collaboration from our community, which drives meaningful change and creates lasting impact. Together with our partners, we are shaping the future of education and opportunities in the Pikes Peak region.
I have had the honor of working with Peak Ed in Manitou Springs School District for the past 5 years. At times we don't know our impact in the moment, but with Peak Ed we get to see in real time, students who bloom with skills, passions, and goals. Even after 27 years, I still believe that education and mentorship are the keys to finding and obtaining the American Dream. In our public schools we need partners to support us in the collective goal of shaping our nation's future through our children. PeakEd believes that all children can and should achieve that dream. As a first generation college graduate I look at Carlos and his team in awe.They make sure kids like me have every chance in attending the school of their dreams. Any investment we make as a community in the educational advancements of a child ring for generations to come. Whether you are a bleeding heart or a economic conservative, we can all get behind supporting our children in achieving the mighty American Dream! They are the quiet stars in the sky looking at our region's children with the belief that if they dream it we can make it happen.
Kolleen Johnson
D14 Executive Director of Secondary Schools
Peak Education has propelled Widefield School District 3 students toward success through their personalized guidance and mentorship.
Shane Skalla
D3 Director of Innovation and Alternative Education
Peak Education plays a transformative role in shaping students' futures by providing mentorship, career/college preparation, and life-changing opportunities. Through this support, D2 students gain the skills, confidence, and pathways they need to achieve their dreams, leading to brighter outcomes and limitless possibilities.
Dr. Wendy Birhanzel
D2 Superintendent
