D2 Promise Scholarship Program
Removing barriers.
America’s first publicly funded first-dollar Promise program
The D2 Promise Scholarship Program (D2 Promise) pays for all tuition and fees at Pikes Peak State College (PPSC). With college costs covered, students can utilize federal and state financial aid to cover living expenses, allowing them to focus on their education. When D2 voters approved the mill levy in November 2024, the community committed $2 million annually for 10 years (through 2035) to ensure students can focus on their education instead of working multiple jobs to afford college.
Proven results
D2 students have benefited from the Promise program since 2020
of D2 Promise students who attended PPSC have graduated, transferred, or are still enrolled
annually approved by D2 voters
Download the latest report
Program Overview
Delivering on our Promise
The D2 Promise Scholarship Program believes in removing barriers, not just creating opportunities.
What is a First-Dollar Scholarship?
D2 Promise pays tuition and fees upfront before any other aid is applied. This means federal and state financial aid turns into money students can use for living expenses and other costs (most Promise programs work backwards, only covering what’s left over after other aid is applied)
Comprehensive coaching
Students get guidance navigating college and career paths through PPSC’s dedicated Promise coaches
Community investment
Publicly funded for 10 years with full transparency and accountability
No GPA requirements
All students who graduate from a D2 high school and enroll at PPSC within 16 months are eligible
Eligible schools
- Harrison High School
- Sierra High School
- Aspire Online Academy
- Career Readiness Academy
- Vanguard School
- Atlas High School
- James Irwin Charter High School
Program details
-
Complete eligibility requirements and how to apply
hsd2.org/academics/direct-admissions -
PPSC Promise Programs information
pikespeak.edu/costs-scholarships-aid/promise-programs/participating-schools/dakota-promise.php -
Mill levy and funding information
hsd2.org/community/mill-levy-override
Student Success Stories
Thriving students: The stories behind the numbers
Quetzaly Gudino
Sierra High School Graduate → PPSC Nursing Student
My time in Promise Programs has been one of the most unique, fulfilling times of my educational journey. The initially jarring transition into college became warm and welcoming through my Promise coaches. I’ve been given the chance to meet more students, become more involved in my education and finances, and ultimately achieve my career goal of becoming a nurse.
Spencer Harris
James Irwin Charter High School Graduate → PPSC Physical Therapy Student
Promise Programs is great for getting to know other people and networking. My coaches helped me a lot with finding jobs and keeping my grades up. That’s one of the great benefits of this program.
More student stories will be added as the program grows. Check our quarterly reports for updates.
Student impact highlights
By the Numbers
Program Results & Data
By the numbers: Program impact 2020-2025
The evolution timeline
Key outcomes
D2 students have benefited from the Promise program since 2020
D2 Promise students have graduated from PPSC to date
Credentials earned
(145 degrees + 85 certificates)
students transferred to 4-year universities
of D2 Promise students who attended PPSC have graduated, transferred, or are still enrolled
A strategic shift
Before 2020, most D2 college-bound students chose 4-year schools. Starting with the Class of 2020:
- Students discovered that 2-year pathways often work better
- 60-70% choose a 2-year college first, completing credentials faster and entering the workforce sooner
- D2 students are making strategic decisions, choosing free, local education that leads to good jobs and better lives
Transfer success
Promise students who want to continue to 4-year degrees have transferred to top universities, including:
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University Pueblo
- Arizona State University
- Grand Canyon University
Detailed enrollment data and trends are available in quarterly reports.
Financial Transparency
Your investment at work: Complete financial accountability
Mill levy investment
approved by D2 voters for 10 years (through 2035)
2024-2025 Promise program funding breakdown
total investment in D2 Promise programs
D2 Promise scholarships:
direct student support including D2 mill levy funds, COSI, and PPSC Foundation
PPSC coaching & support services:
dedicated Promise coaches, academic support, and student success programming
Understanding the investment
The comprehensive support model includes both direct scholarship funding and the intensive coaching services that make Promise students successful. PPSC invests nearly $400,000 annually in dedicated Promise coaches, academic support, and student success programming—demonstrating shared commitment to student outcomes.
Oversight & accountability
Multiple layers of transparency ensure proper stewardship:
- Citizens Oversight Committee: 12 community members review all mill levy expenditures annually
- Quarterly public reports: Regular updates on student progress and fund usage
- State financial reporting: Required under Colorado Revised Statutes 22-44-304
- Open financial records: Full transparency at hsd2.org/our-district/financial-transparency
- Yearly data-driven report: Comprehensive economic impact analysis and program evaluation, including graduation rates, workforce outcomes, and detailed program statistics, will be created by Data-Driven Economic Strategies
Questions about mill levy spending?
Contact D2’s Chief Financial Officer and Director of Finance – contact information available at hsd2.org/our-district/financial-transparency
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Transparency & accountability
What is the D2 Promise reporting website all about?
This website and the accompanying reports show how mill levy funds are being used and track student progress in the D2 Promise program. They’re part of our commitment to transparency and accountability to voters who approved this investment.
The Promise program sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?
You’re right to ask—someone IS paying for this. Our community voted to invest $2 million annually through the mill levy. The accountability measures include a Citizens Oversight Committee, quarterly public reports, state-required financial reporting, and yearly economic impact reports.
How do I know my tax dollars are being used properly?
Multiple oversight layers ensure accountability, fulfilling our transparency commitment to D2 voters:
- Citizens Oversight Committee reviews all mill levy expenditures annually
- Quarterly public reports track student outcomes and spending
- State financial reporting under Colorado Revised Statutes 22-44-304
- Data-Driven Economic Solutions yearly report provides a comprehensive program evaluation
- Full transparency at hsd2.org/our-district/financial-transparency
Program impact
Is this program actually working?
The data shows strong results, and student stories prove the impact. 75% of Promise students graduate, transfer, or remain enrolled at PPSC. This is 20 percentage points higher than PPSC’s overall rate. Complete outcome data is available in our quarterly reports, and yearly economic impact reports provide comprehensive program evaluation.
D2 Promise student Spencer Harris says, “My coaches helped me a lot with finding jobs and keeping my grades up.”
What makes this different from other college programs?
We’re America’s first publicly funded first-dollar Promise program. Unlike programs that only pay what’s left after other aid, we pay tuition and fees upfront. Then, federal and state aid can help with living expenses.
Why should voters without students support this?
These students become the workforce serving our entire community—nurses, teachers, mechanics, and business owners. The mill levy was approved because voters understood this investment strengthens our whole community.
Program participation
How do students apply for the D2 Promise?
Complete eligibility requirements and application processes are available at hsd2.org/academics/direct-admissions and pikespeak.edu/costs-scholarships-aid/promise-programs
What schools are included?
Harrison High School, Sierra High School, James Irwin Charter High School, Atlas High School, and Vanguard High School.
Are there GPA requirements?
No GPA requirements. If you graduate from a D2 high school and enroll at PPSC within 16 months, you’re eligible.
Contact & More Information
Stay connected & learn more
Program information
For complete program details and how to apply:
- D2 Promise eligibility & application: hsd2.org/academics/direct-admissions
- PPSC Promise Programs: pikespeak.edu/costs-scholarships-aid/promise-programs
- Mill levy & funding details: hsd2.org/community/mill-levy-override
Financial questions
Questions about mill levy spending? Contact information available at hsd2.org/our-district/financial-transparency
Report updates
Check back quarterly for new student stories, updated data, and program progress reports.
District contact
Harrison School District 2
Partners
Prepared in partnership with:
Pikes Peak State College, Legacy Institute, Peak Education, and Data-Driven Economic Strategies (DDES)
