Pikes Peak State College Awarded Grant to Aid in Student Textbook Costs for the 7th Consecutive Year 

Colorado Springs, CO – February 11, 2025 – Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) is a receipent of the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) Open Educational Resources (OER) grant for the seventh consecutive year. Since its initial grant in 2019, PPSC has saved over 19,000 students nearly $5 million in textbook expenses. This award is part of CDHE's initiative to enhance educational affordability and accessibility across the state. 

In December 2024, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education approved $1 million in funding for 21 OER projects statewide, aiming to reduce textbook costs and promote innovative teaching practices. PPSC's consistent recognition underscores its commitment to these goals. 

"Open Educational Resources at PPSC are more than just cost-saving measures; they are integral to our mission of providing equitable and high-quality education," said Cynthia Krutsinger, PPSC's Dean of Online Learning. "By offering adaptable, no-cost learning materials, we enhance student engagement and success across various teaching formats." 

This latest grant will further PPSC's efforts to expand OER adoption, develop new resources, and provide professional development for faculty. These steps align with CDHE's strategic goals of increasing credential completion, erasing equity gaps, and improving student success. 

PPSC caters to a diverse student body and reaches underserved populations. 47% of the student body are first-generation college students and 35% are eligible for the Pell Grant, a federal, need-based grant for low-income students. While funding to cover the cost of tuition may be available to many of these students, expenses for class materials still loom large. The cost of textbooks has increased at a faster rate than general inflation over the past several decades. Funding, like the OER grant, can be the difference between a student completing their education or not.

PPSC's OER initiatives have also extended their impact statewide. Several textbooks developed by PPSC faculty are now utilized by institutions across Colorado, amplifying benefits for learners throughout the state. For more information about PPSC’s OER program, contact eLearning@pikespeak.edu or call 719.502.3555.