D2 Promise Scholarship Program
D2 students served since 2020
Fall-to-spring retention highest in program history
Success rate graduated, transferred, or still enrolled
Annual investment approved by D2 voters for 10 years
2026 Bellwether Award
Best In Showcase
Workforce Development
Top 10
national finalists
#1
in their category
Nationally recognized: D2 Promise wins 2026 Bellwether Best in Showcase Award
The Bellwether Award is one of the most prestigious honors in American community college education. In its very first year competing, the D2 Promise partnership was selected as one of just 10 national finalists from 20 states and 30 colleges – and then earned the highest honor.
“Winning this award affirms what we have built together. The D2 Promise shows what becomes possible when a community, a college, a school district, and nonprofit partners commit to removing systemic barriers.”
The D2 Promise is now a national model for replication – with training for other communities planned through the Promise for All Fellowship in 2027.
Thriving students
Numbers tell one kind of story. Behind every data point is a real person who decided to bet on themselves – and found a community betting on them right back.
Qaiden Nieves
Harrison High School → D2 Promise Scholar
For Qaiden, the number one concern he hears from friends about their future is always the same – they don’t think they can afford it. With D2 Promise, that barrier is gone.
“It opened up a possibility I never saw myself having.”
America’s first publicly funded first-dollar Promise program
The D2 Promise Scholarship Program believes in removing barriers, not just creating opportunities.
Program Overview
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. Since 2020, D2 Promise students have retained at a rate 20 percentage points higher than PPSC’s overall student population.
Community investment
Publicly funded for 10 years with full transparency and accountability. In November 2024, D2 voters committed $2 million annually to ensure students can focus on their education.
No GPA requirements
All students who graduate from a D2 high school and enroll at PPSC within 16 months are eligible. 72% of the Fall 2025 cohort are the first in their family to attend college.
Economic impact
When D2 students earn credentials and enter the workforce, the benefit reaches far beyond the individual. Higher wages, stronger local businesses, and graduates who return to serve the community they grew up in.
Eligible schools
- Harrison High School
- Sierra High School
- Aspire Online Academy
- Career Readiness Academy
- Atlas High School
- James Irwin Charter High School
- Vanguard 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
Fall 2025 cohort results
The inaugural cohort of America’s first publicly funded first-dollar Promise program set new records across the board.
D2 graduates enrolled
Fall 2025 first-dollar cohort
First-generation students
Writing a new chapter for their families
Would not have attended college
Without this program
Your investment at work: full accountability
When D2 voters approved the mill levy in November 2024, they committed $2 million annually for 10 years. Every dollar is tracked, reported, and publicly available.
Citizens Oversight Committee
12 community members review all mill levy expenditures annually
Regular community reports
Published three times a year with updates on student progress and fund usage
Yearly data-driven report
Independent economic impact analysis by Data-Driven Economic Strategies (DDES)
Open financial records
Full transparency at hsd2.org/our-district/financial-transparency
FAQs
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 up to $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
- Updated reporting three times a year (fall, spring, and summer) 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, Aspire Online Academy, Atlas High School, Vanguard High School, and Career Readiness Academy.
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
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 in the fall, winter, and summer 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)