Pikes Peak College Access Partnership Stands Firm in Support of Educational Access for Colorado’s Underserved Students

Colorado Springs, May 29, 2024—In light of recent events surrounding the decision by the El Paso County Board of Commissioners to withhold funding from Peak Education, a member organization of the Pikes Peak College Access Partnership (PPCAP), we feel compelled to address the concerns raised and reaffirm our collective stance on supporting educational opportunity and economic empowerment for underserved students.

PPCAP was established in the Fall of 2021 to enhance college access and support for all students in the Pikes Peak region. Our partnership, comprised of a collective of eight educational nonprofit organizations, extends reach and impact beyond individual program boundaries to strengthen the college access and counseling network throughout the Pikes Peak region.

The Board of Commissioners’ decision to reduce Peak Education’s funding comes at the expense of students in need. It is important to clarify that our partnership does not endorse racism, as Commissioner Geitner suggested at a recent board meeting. Rather, we recognize the systemic inequalities within our current education system, provide a more robust college access safety net, and advocate for lawmakers to address the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect underserved youth.

The Pikes Peak College Access Partnership serves a diverse student population of 873 students and families, with a commitment to providing equal opportunities for all students. Many of the low-income students we serve consist of families from historically marginalized communities. Our collaborative efforts aim to support underserved students and promote positive educational outcomes for all. In doing this work, addressing historical injustices, and dismantling systemic barriers that impede underrepresented students’ access to higher education are essential for progress towards policies and systems that support educational equity.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to championing policies that acknowledge the ongoing effects of systemic racism in higher education access. We urge policymakers and stakeholders to reject regressive efforts that favor partisanship over community and to support collaborative efforts like ours that empower and uplift marginalized communities through positive educational outcomes and economic opportunity. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape where college is accessible, attainable, and affordable for all students in the Pikes Peak region.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact us at (719) 633-2353 or email Anna Taniguchi, Director of External Relations, at anna@sachsfoundation.org.