WHY OUR WORK IS IMPORTANT
2024 IMPACT REPORT
Peak Education is a transformative force in the Pikes Peak region, dedicated to empowering youth and driving lasting change in education.
Despite 62.9% of Colorado’s population having earned a credential after high school (Lumina Foundation), only 17% from lower income backgrounds do so in El Paso County. By providing comprehensive support from 7th grade through college, Peak Education helps students reach their full potential, overcome barriers, and become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change makers.
OVERVIEW
2024 IMPACT STATS
$19M+
2024 Cohort On Track
to Contribute to Economy
$1M+
in Scholarships
& Financial Aid
100
New Peak Ed
Scholars
25
Years of
Impact
Commitment to Financial Integrity
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
2024 IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
We our grateful to be able to serve and partner to make systemic impact the Pikes Peak community.
Impact Growth
Welcomed nearly 100 new Peak Education scholars into our core program.
Expansion
Expanded impact through financial aid application support in Harrison District 2 and development of District 11’s new Future Center model.
Collaboration
With Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) to support over 100 students with concurrent enrollment– contributing to earning Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) distinction.
Innovation
Developing regional career pathways by convening 60 leaders in business, industry, philanthropy, K-12 and higher education.
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. Increasing access to higher education not only paves the way for better career opportunities— it also promotes improved health outcomes, reduces strain on local healthcare and public services, and saves taxpayer resources.
YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR FUTURE– WHY THIS MATTERS
COMMUNITY IMPACT
MISSION & IMPACT
Peak Education opens doors for every student to thrive, providing mentorship, scholarships, and college/career support.
This relationship-driven approach delivers results— 100% high school graduation rate in 2024, with graduates earning over $1 million in scholarships and aid.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Peak Education powers economic growth in the Pikes Peak region.
Our 2024 Peak Ed cohort will contribute nearly $20M to the local economy. With our 2026 cohort projected to triple that impact at $60.5M.
These returns directly benefit you– reducing tax burdens while strengthening our region's prosperity. Discover how our students are building our economic future. '
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
91% of middle-income jobs demand post-high school education– Peak Education prepares students for tomorrow's workforce.
Through initiatives like Innovate Pikes Peak, we spearheaded a task force that brought together 60 leaders from diverse industries to guide the development of regional career pathways that align with workforce needs in partnership with the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.
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!
DEDICATED TO THE MISSION
WORDS FROM THE CEO
As I reflect on the past year, I’m excited and humbled by how the community has turned to Peak Education as a trusted partner to support even more students to reach higher. With 91% of middle income jobs requiring some type of training after high school, supporting educational access and opportunity for our youth is more important than ever in today’s economy. More than that, as a relationship focused organization we are striving to be the best supporter, advocate, coach, and fan of the students we serve. We genuinely believe that with a little extra navigational guidance, mentorship, and support, all students have the capacity to succeed. By extending that support to our families, we are creating lasting generational and community change.
As a supporter of Peak Education, you are more than just a donor or volunteer—you are a visionary trailblazer. The incredible accomplishments of our students and the impact we are having through new partnerships is not possible without the strong and meaningful relationships that we have developed over time with the community of people like you who support Peak Education’s mission. You have allowed us to grow and meet the need for youth from across our region. We are grateful for your trust and commitment to creating a community where all youth have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
Your continued support can help create more opportunities for students who are ready to take the lead and blaze new trails in education. By donating today, you’re helping to empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. Together, we can ensure that these trailblazers have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Thank you for helping to lead the way!
Carlos Jiménez, CEO of Peak Education
Carlos Jiménez
Please consider investing in a brighter tomorrow and continue being part of our journey.
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
