(COLORADO SPRINGS) — More than 200 students from Harrison School District 2 (D2) are attending Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) tuition-free this year, thanks to the D2 Promise Program.
The D2 Promise Program, a partnership between PPSC and D2, offers free tuition and is the first publicly funded program of its kind in the United States. Since its launch in 2020, the program has supported over 800 students, with 68% achieving positive outcomes such as continued enrollment, transfer, or graduation.
“This dream is now a reality,” said Dr. Lance Bolton, President of Pikes Peak State College. “D2 Promise is the first publicly funded program of its kind in the country.”
The program provides free tuition and fees for up to three years or 60 credit hours, personalized coaching, and holistic support to prepare students for life after graduation. Students can use other scholarships and grants, like Pell Grants, for additional expenses such as books and transportation.
Olivia Jones, a recent graduate of Sierra High School and a beneficiary of the program, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I don’t have to worry about paying for classes or anything, so it’s a dream come true.” She is the first in her family to pursue higher education–a significant milestone made possible by the program.
The D2 Promise Program is permanently funded following the approval of 2024 Ballot Measure 4A, a tax increase that secured sustainable public funding. The program aims to break cycles of poverty in southeast Colorado Springs by providing educational opportunities to local students.
The initiative began with private seed funding from the Dakota Foundation and the Legacy Institute and has grown into a sustainable community resource. The program’s retention rates have improved significantly, climbing from 47% in its first year to 74% today.
The D2 Promise Program represents a transformative effort to remove financial and cultural barriers to higher education in Colorado Springs, offering students like Jones a pathway to success and a brighter future.
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