More Than 2,000 College Offers and $17 Million in Scholarships Awarded Through Peak Education’s Direct Admission Initiative

Colorado Springs, CO – October 27, 2025

Colorado program removes barriers, opening doors to higher education for thousands of local seniors, including students overcoming real life challenges. 

In a landmark moment for college access in the Pikes Peak region, Peak Education’s Direct Admission Initiative has awarded more than 2,000 college admission offers and $17 million in scholarships to Colorado high school seniors as of October 20 — coinciding with Colorado Free App Week.

Through partnerships with eight Colorado colleges, the initiative eliminates traditional application barriers such as fees and essays, allowing students to receive automatic admission offers based on their academic record. For many, this is more than just an acceptance letter — it’s a turning point.

Direct admission doesn’t make college easier—it makes it accessible. Many students are already working hard—balancing studies, jobs, and family obligations, often while navigating unexpected hardships. These offers don’t lower expectations; they open doors for students who’ve already proven their determination. It’s easy to overlook how deeply these challenges shape their daily lives in ways many of us take for granted. Stories like D'Andre’s remind us of what challenges students face every day across the region. 

Access in Action: How Direct Admission Changes Real Lives - D'Andre’s Story

When a kitchen fire displaced D'Andre’s family earlier this year, they lost much of their home and stability. Living in a temporary apartment farther from school has made every day a challenge — from long commutes to managing schoolwork without the comfort of home. Committed to his goals, 

Still, D'Andre hasn’t missed a step. Whether it’s participating in Peak Education programs, attending workshops, or exploring his dream of a career in computer science, he shows up —  even with his arm in a cast after a soccer injury — determined to build his future one step at a time.

“Peak Education helps me build up my future,” he shared during a recent conversation. “I know I have to put in the work to get there.”

For students like D'Andre, access programs such as the Direct Admission Initiative don’t make success easier — they make it possible. When life throws barriers their way, these opportunities help them stay focused on what’s ahead, not what’s been lost.

For students and families like D'Andre’s, access to direct admission isn’t about lowering standards; it’s about removing unnecessary barriers and recognizing the effort that already exists.

"This is just the beginning," said Carlos Jimenéz, CEO of Peak Education. "Students can continue earning direct admission offers all year, creating ongoing pathways to higher education for our community's seniors."

The initiative also addresses a critical economic and workforce need in Colorado. According to the state’s latest Talent Pipeline Report, 75% of all job openings by 2031 will require a postsecondary credential, with Colorado ranking second nationally in projected demand for bachelor’s degree holders. To meet employer needs, the state must add 38,000 additional credential recipients over the next decade—while facing 400,000 anticipated retirements, declining high school populations, and plateauing graduation rates.

By removing unnecessary barriers to college admission, Peak Education’s Direct Admission Initiative helps bridge this talent gap—supporting the state’s long-term workforce development goals while ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity for students in the Pikes Peak region.

Across the region, scholars supported by Peak Education have shared stories of perseverance — from managing serious family challenges to recovering from illness — where this kind of access has been the difference between dreams deferred and futures realized.

The Direct Admission Initiative, developed in collaboration with Match, focuses on increasing college access for students who might otherwise face obstacles in the traditional application process. By proactively offering admission, the program empowers students to make informed decisions about their post-secondary education.

Key Achievements to Date

• 2,000+ admission offers awarded

• $17 million in scholarship dollars secured

• Zero application fees or essays required

• Eight partner colleges: Pikes Peak State College, UCCS, CSU Pueblo, Colorado Mesa, Western Colorado, Fort Lewis College, University of Northern Colorado, Adams State

• Year-round opportunities for students

The initiative aligns with Peak Education's mission to reach higher and ensure all students have equitable access to college opportunities regardless of background or financial circumstances.

About Peak Education

Peak Education is a transformative force in the Pikes Peak region, dedicated to empowering youth and driving lasting change in educational systems. Despite 62.9% of Colorado’s population having earned a credential after high school^*, only 17% from lower income backgrounds do so in El Paso County.^* As experts in college and career planning, Peak Education is uniquely positioned to partner with organizations and communities, extending their core programs' proven approach to foster broader economic and social impact across the region through innovative programs and community partnerships.

Press Contact: 

Tabitha Hart | Peak Education Marketing and Communications Manager tabitha@peakedu.org |  (303) 842-3389  |  www.peakeducation.org/directadmissions