Bridging the Attainment Gap: Highlights from Peak Education’s At The Center Event
On September 24th, Peak Education gathered community members, leaders, students, and supporters for a powerful event dedicated to advancing educational equity in Colorado Springs. Across both morning and evening sessions, attendees explored how targeted support, mentorship, and community investment can transform lives and build stronger neighborhoods.
Inspiring Words from Local Leaders
Our morning session kicked off with an inspiring welcome from Jenifer Furda, Director of Community Engagement, Local Government & Military Liaison at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). She highlighted the critical role education plays in our community and commended Peak Education for helping students and families bridge the attainment gap.
In the evening, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade welcomed attendees with an empowering message on how education shapes the very fabric of the neighborhoods we want to live in. Mayor Yemi congratulated Peak Education on its ongoing impact and encouraged students to fearlessly pursue their dreams—just as he did.
Understanding the "Colorado Paradox"
Peak Education’s new CEO, Andy Long, shared eye-opening insights into the "Colorado Paradox." While Colorado boasts one of the highest degree completion rates in the nation, native-born Coloradans face a degree attainment rate 11% lower than the national average.
This disparity is starkly visible within our own city: students in high-income Colorado Springs school districts have over a 50% chance of earning a college degree right out of high school, whereas students in lower-income districts face roughly a 16% chance.
Student, Alumni & Community Panels
To bring these statistics into human perspective, Dr. Nancy Hernandez moderated moving panel discussions featuring Peak Education students, parents, alumni, and community stakeholders.
Panelists spoke openly about the systemic and personal barriers they encountered on their educational journeys. Alumni and students shared how Peak Education stepped in to provide crucial support across every stage of their path—from middle school and high school through college and into their careers.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunities & Local Careers
CEO Andy Long returned to outline Peak Education’s vision for the future. The organization is actively working to expand its Core Student Success Program and build direct pathways connecting students’ personal passions and strengths with local career opportunities right here in Colorado Springs.
How You Can Help Close the Gap
To sustain and scale this transformative work, our guest speakers—retired D11 Administrator Chris Kilroy in the morning and former founder Rick Price's widow, Diana Price in the evening—issued an inspiring call to action.
They invited attendees to step up as monthly recurring investors. By contributing monthly, community members directly fund programs that empower more local students to overcome barriers, complete their education, and thrive.
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