The Partnership Was Created to Support Students and the Southern Colorado Community.
Colorado Springs, CO- November 11, 2024- Canvas Credit Union (Canvas) is proud to announce its 
partnership with Pikes Peak State College (PPSC), becoming the esteemed institution’s preferred credit union. As the first initiative of this important partnership, Canvas has committed to fully funding the school’s campus food pantries. We welcome you to join us at the ribbon-cutting celebration of the new Canvas Credit Union Food Pantry, in room A-312 on PPSC’s Centennial Campus (5675 S. Academy Blvd.), on Wednesday, November 13 at 9am. 

The partnership started with identifying the largest barriers in education that students are facing, with 
food insecurity being a leading issue. The school largely supports a nontraditional age demographic, 
including approximately 32% of students being military-affiliated. Many students are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with some balancing their studies alongside jobs and children at home. These students are making valuable investments into their futures through education, but food insecurity remains a persistent concern for many of these students.

“We have tragically seen many students forced to pause or even drop out, not because of a lack of 
desire or ability but because of financial hardship. Food insecurity or the inability to cover required 
expenses such as textbooks can feel like insurmountable barriers to those students living on the 
economic edge,” said Donna Nelson, Chief Development Officer at PPSC. “As educators, we understand it’s our role to help all students learn, and sometimes that means going outside of the classroom. Thankfully, there are partners like Canvas willing to step up and help us deliver important solutions.”

A central component of the partnership between Canvas and PPSC is to address food insecurity on and around the school’s four campuses. By funding these campus food pantries, Canvas aims to alleviate hunger and ensure that students have access to nutritious meals. This initiative underscores that all students deserve the resources they need to invest in their future. 

In a related initiative, Canvas is also providing grants to help student veterans afford textbooks. By 
easing the cost burden associated with purchasing educational materials, the credit union aims to 
ensure that students who have bravely served their country have the means to now focus on their 
individual academic goals and career aspirations, supporting their transition from military service to 
civilian life.

"At Canvas, we say that we serve with our heart, and we mean it. Which is why we are so thrilled to 
launch this partnership with Pikes Peak State College and support their mission of removing barriers and empowering access to quality education for all, " said Steve Ferrero, Chief Community Engagement Officer for Canvas Credit Union. “Our foundation’s pillars call us to serve all in need, but we are especially passionate about veteran and student populations. When we help these students meet their needs, they in turn can focus on achieving their academic goals. The best part: this is only the beginning.”

About Canvas Credit Union
HYPERLINK "https://www.canvas.org/"Canvas Credit Union is a safe and insured financial institution 
with over $4.5 billion in assets and more than 300,000 members. Canvas provides a full array of financial products and services, including savings, checking, loans, mortgages, and online and mobile banking options. Serving Colorado communities for more than 85 years, Canvas currently has 35 branches and is well recognized for its people, its heart, and its commitment to community.

About Pikes Peak State College
Established in 1968 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Pikes Peak offers associate 
degrees, certificates in career and technical fields and a growing number of bachelors’ degrees. With 
four campuses, various off-campus locations, two military education centers, and hundreds of online 
classes, PPSC provides access to a quality, affordable and flexible education to more than 17,000 
students annually with both credit and non-credit classes.