Student Stories

Thriving students:
The stories behind the numbers

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. In his own words, Qaiden describes what changes when cost is no longer the reason students talk themselves out of college – “It opened up a possibility I never saw myself having.”

of Promise students said they would not have attended college without this program

of D2 Promise scholars enrolled at PPSC know at least one other Promise scholar – building community connections

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.

Cristopher Nuñez

Harrison High School → Welding, PPSC

I got to the US when I was 13 and didn’t speak the language. I never thought I would go to college. I felt left out in school because I didn’t speak English. Things changed when I learned English and doors opened. Now I graduated May 2025.

Cristopher says when he was at the point of giving up, his Promise Coach stepped in and helped him keep going – a testament to the dedicated coaching model that pairs every D2 Promise student with personalized support from enrollment through graduation.

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 Promise scholars

In their own words

My favorite part is the coaches. Throughout my time here, they have been immensely helpful and are able to answer any questions a student has. They help create a positive environment and fun experiences! I would tell incoming students to do more workshops – not only do they give you credit, you also get to interact with others and learn.

Gabby Cole

James Irwin → Social Work

The coaches, for sure. College has been a wild time for me, and the coaches have always been supportive and understanding. I don’t know where I’d be without them. Don’t let yourself fall behind – don’t be afraid to ask for help either. There’s always support here. That’s why I love this college so much.

Aiden Volf

Sierra → Cybersecurity

They gave us the opportunity to attend college for free. It’s an opportunity that can change lives.

Felipe Rocha Zuniga

Harrison → Business Administration

This page grows with every cohort

New student stories are featured three times a year as part of D2 Promise’s ongoing community reporting. Have a story to share? We’d love to hear it.

(updated fall, spring & summer)