SPECIAL THANKS TO
OUR SPONSORS
IN GRATITUDE
RECOGNIZING KEY DONORS
Foundation/ Grantor Support
John and Margot Lane Foundation
Chick Fil A Foundation/True Inspiration Awards
Transforming Safety (Denver Foundation)
Chapman Foundation
Sach Foundation
Joseph Henry Edmondson Foundation
Moniker Foundation
DOLA - Infrastructure
Anschutz/Gazette Charities
Community Service Block Grant (CSBG)
Pikes Peak United Way
El Pomar Foundation Dorothy Ferrand Fund
The Carl George Bjorkman Foundation
GE Johnson Foundation
Sunstone Foundation
Myron Stratton Foundation
Luther T. McCauley Charitable Trust
Kane Family Foundation
Strub-Heer Foundation
Pikes Peak Educational Foundation
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Denver Children's Foundation
Nathan B and Florence R Burt Foundation
Edson Foundation
Adolph Coors Foundation
Anschutz Family Foundation
Western Digital Fund
Nutrition Camp Schools
EM & FE Everett Charitable Trust
El Pomar Foundation/Anna Keesling Ackerman Fund
Windy Pines Foundation
IN GRATITUDE
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Chuck and Mary Lou Murphy
Susan and Tom Pattee
Mari Sinton-Martinez and Paul Martinez
Cassie and Toby Gannett
Joan Mullens
Clay and Anne Taylor
Leon and Heather Kelly
GRATEFUL TO OUR COMMUNITY
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
At Peak Education, we are continually in awe of the extraordinary community we’ve built together. Each of you—our donors, partners, and supporters—are the heart and soul of our mission. Because of you, we are able to dream big and create lasting change, not just for our students but for our entire community.
Your belief in the power of education fuels everything we do. You show up, invest in our students, and trust in the potential of young people to shape their own futures. Because of your generosity, lives are being changed, opportunities are being created, and hope is being renewed.
Being part of this movement is a privilege we cherish deeply. Together, we are lifting each other up, breaking down barriers, and forging pathways to success. The impact we are making today will ripple through generations to come.
Thank you for being such an essential part of this journey. Your support strengthens our mission, expands our reach, and empowers students to achieve more than they ever thought possible. We are excited for all that’s ahead—and we’re grateful to have you by our side.
With Appreciation,
The Peak Education Team
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
COMMUNITY IMPACT
MISSION & IMPACT
Peak Education is driven by the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, providing mentorship, scholarships, career support, skill-building, and community engagement.
This relationship-driven approach has proven highly effective— Peak Education boasts a 100% high school graduation rate in 2024, with graduates earning over $1 million in scholarships and financial aid.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Peak Education is a driver of economic and workforce development in the Pikes Peak region.
The 2024 Peak Ed cohort 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 $60.5M.
These benefits offer significant financial returns for the community—lowering taxpayer burdens and contributing to the region’s overall economic growth.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
In an economy where 91% of middle-income jobs require education or training beyond high school, Peak Education’s work ensures that students are ready for the demands of tomorrow's job market.
Through initiatives like Innovate Pikes Peak, we spearheaded a task force that brought together 60 leaders from diverse industries to develop regional career pathways that align with workforce needs in partnership with the CS Chamber and EDC.
CORE PROGRAM AND WIDESPREAD IMPACT
2024 STRATEGIC IMPACT PRIORITIES
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS
Peak Education rises to the challenge of empowering students and strengthening our community. With 76% of top jobs requiring education beyond high school—whether through college, trade school, or specialized training—we ensure students have the support and resources needed to unlock future success and meaningful career opportunities.
SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT
Peak Education recognizes that poverty creates chronic stress, impacting brain development and a student’s ability to thrive academically. By providing access to education, mentorship, and resources, we empower students with the problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and social connections needed to navigate challenges and build a meaningful career and future.
EMPOWERING EDUCATION
Peak Education addresses the gap in the Pikes Peak Region where only 17% of low-income students earn a degree or certification beyond high school, while 75% of jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher. By increasing access to higher education, we not only pave the way for better career opportunities but also promote improved health outcomes, reduce strain on local healthcare and public services, and save taxpayer resources.
CELEBRATING MILESTONES
25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Honoring Our Founders
and "Keeping the Flame Alive"
Answering the Call
In 1997, Dr. H. Dalton Connor and Steven U. Mullens were seeking a mission to make a difference. A tragic drive-by shooting that claimed the lives of two Harrison School District students, compelled our co-founders to take action in southeastern Colorado Springs. Local law enforcement pointed them to Rick Price, then principal of Carmel Middle School. The three banded together and became a pivotal force in shaping what would become Peak Education.
25th Celebration
Peak Education came together and celebrated 25 years of breaking down barriers, building futures, and empowering students with its “Under the Stars” Anniversary Celebration. Honoring the visionaries who blazed the trail—Dr. H. Dalton Conner, Steven Mullens, and Rick Price—with a simple goal to sustain the founders enduring flame and support the growth of their organization. Or as the founders would say "to stop talent from being wasted."
Honoring Our Founders
Celebrate 25 years of impact with our special anniversary video. Experience the heart of Peak Education’s mission, honor our founders who answered the call for meaningful change in our community, and get inspired for our future. Don’t miss this powerful journey of transformation and opportunity!
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
