- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Pikes Peak State College, located in Colorado Springs, Colo., is introducing a new Promise Program focused on Native American students in the Pikes Peak region. First Nations Promise is a last-dollar grant that will cover direct costs and offer academic coaching for Native students who attend Pikes Peak State. The press is invited to the press conference announcing the launch of First Nations Promise on Thursday, July 25 at 2pm in the Learning Commons of PPSC’s Centennial Campus (5675 S Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO).
The First Nations Promise Program is designed for members of federally recognized American Indian tribes residing in El Paso, Teller, or Elbert counties. The funding can be applied to direct costs like tuition and student fees. Academic coaches will work closely with First Nations Promise scholars to offer resources that support students in their time at PPSC.
“We recognized Pikes Peak State College is uniquely suited to support our Native American community,” said Dr. Lance Bolton, President of Pikes Peak State College. “By adapting and modifying our existing Promise Programs – proven tools in increasing college-going rates – we have created the PPSC First Nations Promise. It will remove barriers, provide greater educational access, and ultimately create positive impacts for the Native American communities in the Pikes Peak Region.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2022, there are over 13,000 persons in El Paso County that identify as Native Americans. Nearly 30% of the Native Americans living in El Paso County live below the poverty line and only about 50% graduate from high school. PPSC’s vision is to offer affordable excellence in higher education. This program ensures Native Americans in Colorado Springs are actively invited to pursue and complete their academic and career interests.
“This promise represents our commitment to honoring the rich cultural heritage of First Nations students and their belonging in this community.” says Vice President of Student Services, Roberto Garcia.
Funding for this grant comes from two foundations committed to equipping the people of Colorado with the tools they need for self-sufficiency. The Dakota Foundation is committed to gifting $50,000 per year for the next five years toward First Nations Promise. This generous contribution is coupled with a $250,000 commitment from the Daniels Fund, bringing the total funding to half a million dollars.
Please join us on Thursday, July 25th for a press conference to learn more. The press conference will be held in the Learning Commons (A200) at PPSC’s Centennial Campus at 2pm. The community is invited to learn more at pikespeak.edu/first-nations.
More Stories Like This
A Family Finds Healing at Oceti Sakowin Community AcademyIAIA to Receive Coe Center Campus and Collection in Landmark Gift
Comment on Higher Ed Program Changes: Public Hearing Today
IAIA Appoints Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo) as Next President
Defy the Storm: American Indian College Fund’s New PSA Addresses Challenges Indigenous Students and Communities Face with Funding Cuts
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
