(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) announced on Dec. 17 that it has been named a top 10 finalist for the 2026 Bellwether Award in the Workforce Development category. Selected from over 100 submissions across 30 states, this places PPSC amongst the most innovative community colleges in the United States.
The Bellwether Awards, considered the most competitive and respected honors in community college education, recognize programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and direct alignment with workforce and economic needs.
According to the official announcement from PPSC, the college was recognized for its Promise Program model, “which removes financial barriers to college while pairing tuition-free education with intensive coaching and wraparound support.” The program increases postsecondary enrollment and completion from first-generation and low-income students, which directly addresses workforce gaps…