IMPACTING THE PIKES PEAK REGION
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
This year, we are proud to share that all 18 students in our 2024 cohort successfully graduated from high school.
Collectively, the class of 2024 has secured an incredible $1 million in scholarships and financial aid, a testament to their hard work and resilience. Despite challenges such as FAFSA delays, our students persevered with the support of Peak Education staff, ensuring they had the financial resources to pursue their dreams.
Access to opportunity changes lives. By expanding pathways beyond traditional four-year degrees, we empower students to make informed decisions about their futures. And with each graduate, we strengthen our community, proving that with the right support, anything is possible.
OVERVIEW
2024 IMPACT STATS
100%
High School
Graduation Rate
1M+
in Scholarships
& Financial Aid
57
Scholars Attending
College Across the Country
18
Seniors in the
2024 Cohort
RISING STARS
2024 SENIORS
These are some of the 2024 remarkable seniors you empowered with your support. They are the future leaders of the Pikes Peak region.
Betsy Erives Robles
Harrison High School
Pomona College
Majoring In Public Policy Analysis Minoring in Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies
Her mentor, Ann Carson, said "Betsy lights up every room she enters with her big smile and her engaging, enthusiastic personality. She's stepped up in so many ways as a high school student, digging in and excelling in her academics, taking on leadership roles and opportunities on and off campus, and representing Harrison in three varsity sports - cross country, swimming, and tennis. Despite all her accomplishments, I'm most proud of her positive, can-do spirit and resilience in the face of setbacks."
Career Interest
Biomedical Engineering
Notable Activities
Excelled in school including rigorous AP courses earning 4.325GPA
Distinguished Scholar for IB Diploma Program
Finalist for QuestBridge and Daniels Fund
Pablo Rivera Perea
Harrison High School
Colorado School of Mines
Majoring In Chemical Engineering
Pablo is driven, friendly, and a highly empathetic student who never fails to help those around him. His empathy and desire to uplift those around him can be seen in and outside the classroom. Teachers describe him has "humble and kindhearted".
He is unrelenting in the pursuit of his goal to be the first in his family to graduate with a bachelor's degree.
Career Interest
Chemical Engineering
Notable Awards
National Hispanic Recognition Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement
Seal of Biliteracy for proficiency in two or more languages
Gold Honor Award in Recognition 4.2 GPA
Isabella Delgado
Sierra High School
University of CO Colorado Springs
Majoring In Forensic Science
As a senior Isabella showed tremendous fortitude by balancing a part-time job on top of her academic studies, facing a myriad of challenges, including her mother's battle with cancer.
Isabella shared her involvement with Peak Education has provided her with invaluable guidance, assisting her through the application process and providing support on her educational journey.
Career Interest
Forensic Science
Notable Activities
Earned Associate of Arts Degree through Concurrent Enrollment in High School
Maintained 3.3 GPA
Member of the Swim Team
Attended Upward Bound for Personal Growth
COLLEGE SUPPORT
COLLEGE SUCCESS PROGRAM
Designed to support our first-year and continuing college students through a variety of initiatives. We offer semester check-ins to monitor academic progress and provide guidance, host “Back from College Night” events to reconnect and share experiences, and conduct virtual workshops on various topics relevant to college life. We aim to ensure our students thrive academically, socially, and personally throughout their college journey.
INSTITUTIONS OUR 2023 COHORT GRADS ARE ATTENDING
WHY THIS MATTERS
DOES COLLEGE STILL MATTER?
With 76% of top jobs requiring education beyond high school—whether it’s college, trade school, or specialized training—post-secondary education remains a key to future success.
Most Tier I or II Jobs in CO Require Education after High School
Typical Education Requirements for jobs in Colorado
91.4% of Tier 1 top jobs reported in CO required postsecondary attainment.
76.5% Required Bachelor's Degrees.
70.4% of Tier 2 top jobs reported in CO required postsecondary attainment.
27.7% Required Bachelor's Degrees.
According to CO Department of Higher Ed
The Higher Education, the Lower Chances of Being Unemployed
Relationship between Educational Attainment and the Labor Force
Degree: Unemployment Rate (%)
1.5% Doctorate
1.8% Professional
2.6% Master
3.5% Bachelor
4.6% Associate
5.5% Some College, No Degree
6.2% High School Diploma
8.3% Less than High School Diploma
According to CO Talent Pipeline Report
More Education Means Better Chance to Get a Job and Stay Employed
CO Labor Force Participation Rate by Education Attainment
Highest Level of Educational Attainment: 2021-22 Labor Force Participation Rate (%)
76.6% Bachelor Degree or Higher
66.1% Some College/Associate Degree
63% High School/Equivalent
53% Less than HS/Equivalent
According to CO Talent Pipeline Report
CONTINUING SUCCESS
COLLEGE SUCCESS PROGRAM
57
Scholars Attending
College Across the Country
2
Certifications
14
Associate's Degrees
35
Bachelor's Degrees
4
Master's Degrees
2
Doctorate's
2 SCHOLARS PURSUING CERTIFICATIONS
14 SCHOLARS PURSING ASSOCIATE DEGREES
35 SCHOLARS PURSUING BACHELOR DEGREES
2 SCHOLARS PURSUING DOCTORATES
4 SCHOLARS PURSUING MASTERS
COMMUNITY IMPACT
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
HOVER OVER EACH TO FIND OUT MORE
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OPPORTUNITY NOW
50+
225
Stakeholders (teachers, policymakers, students, parents, etc.) Contributed to the Report
Student Survey Responses Identified Barriers and Motivations for Pursuing Teaching Careers
-$
Key Concerns Included Low Salaries, High Workloads, and Lack of Financial Support for Prospective Teachers
The Pikes Peak region faces a growing teacher shortage that threatens the quality of education and long-term community development. Peak Education partners with Teach for America, Colorado College to create "Pathways to Possibility" which outlines key strategies to enhance teacher recruitment, retention, and support systems, ensuring a sustainable and diverse teaching workforce.
Summary conclusion: Investing in educators is investing in the future of the Pikes Peak region. Addressing teacher shortages through competitive compensation, alternative pathways, mentorship, and policy support will create a thriving, diverse, and resilient teaching workforce. With collaboration among school districts, policymakers, and community leaders, these strategies can lead to lasting improvements in education and workforce development.
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THE STATE OF POST-SECONDARY ACCESS IN COS
Prominent Panelist Worked with Audience on Inspiring Innovation for the Future of Education
7
Panel Discussions on the Future Efforts in Education and Workforce Development
2
70
Educational and Industry Leaders Cross-Sector Collaboration
Postsecondary education is a critical gateway to economic mobility, career success, and a thriving workforce. Yet, many students in our region face barriers that limit their access to and success in higher education. The State of Postsecondary Access forum serves as a vital platform to convene educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to assess these challenges, identify opportunities, and drive collective action.
SERVING THE SPRINGS
Scholars Who Participated
11
5
Days with Peak Ed Participating, Learning, and Providing Servce
3
Serving in the Springs is a summer program dedicated to engaging high school students in meaningful community service within the Colorado Springs area. Participants volunteer at local organizations, engage in team-building activities, and learn the value of making a difference in their community. Through hands-on experiences and collaborative projects, students will develop leadership skills, foster a spirit of service, and contribute positively to the community.
Service-Based Projects
CONTINUING SUCCESS
COLLEGE COUNSELING UPDATE
Our team works closely with over 200 Peak Education students, grades 9th-12th, to provide ongoing application workshops, host college representatives, connect them with resources, and offer one-on-one support for seniors.
10 EVENTS - 445 ATTENDEES
Scholars Earn Prestigious
Summer Program Acceptances
Two of our students were accepted into highly competitive programs—the Yale Young Global Scholars Program and the Carleton College Summer Liberal Arts Institute.
In addition, three other high school students earned scholarships to study economics for 2 weeks at Rice University and the University of Washington.
2
Accepted in Highly
Competitive Programs
3
Earned Scholarships to Study Economics
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
