A New Chapter Begins: Celebrating the Grand Opening of Our College & Career Readiness Center

June 6, 2025

This week, Peak Education opened the doors to our new College & Career Readiness Center—a major milestone not just for our organization, but for the entire Pikes Peak region. More than a celebration of a new building, the event marked the beginning of a bold new chapter in how we serve students, support families, and partner with our community.

Peak Education Grand Opening June 4, 2025. From Left to Right: Claudia De Santiago Director of Development of Peak Education, Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, Connie Oakley CAO of The O'Neil Group, Carlos Jiménez CEO of Peak Education, Pastor Jeff Anderson Senior Advisor of Congressman Jeff Crank, Patrick Stephens CFO of The O'Neil Group, and Vennita Browning Program Director of Peak Education.

From the moment guests arrived, the evening was designed to reflect who we are—welcoming, student-centered, and deeply rooted in purpose.

Guests began by writing words of encouragement on puzzle pieces—small, personal notes that will be given directly to our scholars as symbols of support and inspiration. From there, they were guided through an interactive and inclusive walkthrough of the Center designed to highlight our people, our mission, and our impact.

Peak Education staff, scholars, family members, board members, partners, and community members gather to celebrate the Grand Opening of Peak Education's new building at 117 S. Wahsatch Ave in Downtown Colorado Springs.

A Walkthrough That Told Our Story and Impact

The tour included:

• A visit with our Program Director Vennita Browning and Peak Ed scholars and families, giving guests a firsthand look at the relationships that drive transformation.

• A personal building tour from either CEO Carlos Jimenez or Director of Development Claudia De Santiago, sharing how every space in the Center was designed with intentionality.

• An interactive College & Career Workshop led by Jasmine Rainey (Director of Access and Success), Keyshon, and Jaz (College & Career Advisors at D11 Future Centers), who showed how we guide students in identifying and pursuing their goals.

• A hands-on FAFSA & Concurrent Enrollment Workshop with Anjolenna (Assistant Program Director for Concurrent Enrollment) and Tam (College & Financial Aid Advisor), breaking down some of the most critical (and often confusing) parts of the college access journey.

• An information hub featuring key initiatives like Innovate Pikes Peak (in partnership with the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC), Peak Education community mentoring opportunities with Stephanie (High School Program Coordinator), and Peak Education social enterprises Basecamp and Interwoven, were shared by our own Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Pedro Ramírez.
  

Our building partners—Mindfulness and Positivity Project, AJS Consulting, and High Roots Wellness & Consulting—also joined us, showcasing the holistic ecosystem of support we’re building together.

Community, Commitment, and a Shared Vision

Though Mayor Yemi Mobolade was unable to attend due to being under the weather, Pastor Jeff Anderson stepped in with a powerful message about education’s role in building community. We’re especially thankful to Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, for leading our ribbon cutting and affirming the power of partnership, and to The O’Neil Group for their instrumental role in making this space possible.

We also unveiled our Peak Ed Mosaic Installation—a commemorative tile wall that honors those who make our mission possible. With a monthly gift of $50 or a one time donation of $600, supporters can reserve a 4"x4" acrylic tile to leave a name, honor a mentor, or celebrate a legacy. Reserve yours here »

Special Thanks to Our Building Supporters

We are deeply grateful to the generous individuals and organizations whose early investments helped bring this vision to life:

• Susan and Tom Patee

• Elizabeth Domangue, PhD

• Sue and Tom Neill

• The O’Neil Group

• Peak Education Board Members

• Pikes Peak Educational Foundation

• Lane Foundation

• Monikor Foundation

• El Pomar Foundation

• Chapman Foundation

• The Bloom Foundation
  

Your belief in our mission and commitment to community transformation laid the foundation—literally and figuratively—for this next chapter.

We’re Just Getting Started

This new College and Career Readiness Center represents more than walls and rooms. It’s a space where college and career dreams are nurtured, where families are empowered, and where entire futures begin to shift.

To everyone who attended, supported from afar, or shared your voice—thank you. We’re honored to have you with us as we begin this next chapter.

We’re your college and career readiness experts, and we’re ready to grow this impact—together.