ASPIRE | Pikes Peak State College

ASPIRE Scholars at PPSC

Achieving Success Through Personalized Inclusive Real-World Education
ASPIRE Scholars ApplicationTeacher Recommendation FormCommunity Member Recommendation Form

 

 

ASPIRE Scholars at PPSC

Welcome to the ASPIRE (Achieving Success through Personalized Inclusive Real-World Education) Scholars Program at Pikes Peak State College! Our goal is to foster an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment where students of all abilities can thrive academically, socially and professionally. We are excited to support you on this journey of personal and academic growth.

 

The ASPIRE Scholars Program focuses on four key areas:

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Academic Success

Access personalized support, advising and inclusive coursework to help you reach your goals.

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Social Inclusion

Join campus clubs, organizations and events to make connections and build friendships.

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Independent Living Skills

Learn essential life skills like budgeting, meal planning, transportation, and time management to live more independently.

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Career Development

Explore internships and job opportunities tailored to your interests while building skills for meaningful employment.

 

 

Benefits

ASPIRE is designed to provide a structured and inclusive learning environment where you can:
  • Earn a College Certificate: Work toward a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate tailored to your goals and academic needs. 
  • Engage in Career Exploration and Job Development: Explore career options, practice interviewing and resume-building skills and receive on-the-job training.

  • Benefit from a Personalized Curriculum: Receive personalized planning through workshops and one-on-one meetings to support your academic, social, career, and independent goals.
  • Participate in Internships: Gain hands-on experience through on-campus and community internships, helping you build a professional network and workplace skills.
Download ASPIRE Scholars Handbook
PPSC students at Learning Commons

Eligibility

To be considered for admission, you must meet these requirements:
  • Be 18-26 years old and have completed high school (no SAT/ACT needed)
  • Have a strong desire to build a career
  • Be committed to attending and participating in the full college experience
  • Have a documented intellectual disability that affects your learning
  • Be able to manage your personal care needs on your own or with a personal care attendant
  • Actively participate in the ASPIRE Scholars program at PPSC
  • Be able to safely and independently navigate the campus after orientation and training
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How to Apply

To apply, complete and submit the ASPIRE Scholars at Pikes Peak State College Application Packet to the ASPIRE Program Manager by the deadline. The following documentation MUST be included along with your application:
  1. Most recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  2. Junior year IEP
  3. High School transcript
  4. Letter of recommendation form completed by a teacher
  5. Letter of recommendation form completed by a community member
What to expect after you apply:
Once your complete application has been received, you will be contacted to set up a mandatory student interview and on-campus observation visit. Admission decisions regarding the 2025-2026 academic year will be made no later than May 2025.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASPIRE Scholars are selected based on: 

  • Your learning needs and desire to attend college
  • Our ability to support your needs and goals through the ASPIRE Scholars program
  • Your ability to transition independently between classes, buildings, meals, and non-academic activities
  • Your potential to successfully achieve your goals
  • Commitment from your family or caregivers to support your goals as a student

As an ASPIRE Scholar, you will be a non-degree-seeking student working toward a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate in your chosen area of study. Your coursework and internships will be designed around your personal career goals. The ASPIRE Scholars program will work with you to select classes and internships that help you build the skills you need for future employment in your field.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate, students should be able to:

  • Apply basic computer functions to complete simple tasks with office applications and internet browsers
  • Practice appropriate communication skills in various settings
  • Identify common workplace expectations
  • Prepare essential job application materials with support
  • Identify personal interests related to chosen area of study

Review the ASPIRE Scholars Handbook for more information.

As an ASPIRE Scholar at Pikes Peak State College, you are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum 2.0 GPA. You will need to participate in all your courses, sessions and activities and follow the attendance policies for each class. Additionally, you will work with student mentors to study, review readings and complete assignments. For more details, check out the ASPIRE Scholars Handbook. Review the ASPIRE Scholars Handbook for more information.

ASPIRE scholars will pay the same tuition and fees as all Pikes Peak State College students. View PPSC tuition and fees. 

Additionally, ASPIRE scholars will pay an inclusive service fee: $1,500/semester. This service fee covers specialized courses and all individualized academic, social, independent and career supports provided by ASPIRE staff.

Students are responsible for paying tuition and fees each semester and are encouraged to seek financial support from the following agencies:

  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
  • Case Management Agencies (CMAs)
  • Local & National Scholarships

For more information on available financial resources, please visit inclusivehighered.org.

Once ASPIRE Scholars receives a federally designated Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program (CTP) status, scholars are eligible to complete the FAFSA and receive certain forms of federal financial aid.

Please note, ASPIRE scholars may be eligible for Pell Grants and work study funds, but not student loans due to their modified certificate. Aid is variable based on the expected family contribution as calculated on the FAFSA.

Visit our financial aid website to learn more about financial aid eligibility and requirements. 

Yes! We recognize the importance of family involvement in supporting student success. Families are encouraged to:

  • Communicate regularly with their students about academic and personal goals
  • Attend advising sessions with ASPIRE staff once per semester
  • Foster independence by allowing students to make decisions and solve problems on their own, with guidance when necessary
  • Families are invited to participate in ASPIRE events and celebrate milestones, but are encouraged to support the student's transition to adulthood and self-advocacy

Review the ASPIRE Scholars Handbook for more tips! 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Under FERPA, once a student turns 18 or enrolls in a college or university, the rights to access and control their education records transfer to the student. Students can grant or withdraw consent to share their information at any time. In accordance with FERPA regulations, ASPIRE Scholars and Pikes Peak State College cannot release information about students to parents without the student's written consent. All college staff, including those in Accessibility Services, are bound by this law.

The Accessibility Services adheres to FERPA guidelines. Students are responsible for sharing their academic progress and other Accessibility Services-related information with their parents unless they have signed a Student Records Information Release or the parent has legal guardianship.

Accessibility Services strongly believes in diversity as an integral part of society and our college community. It is our mission and commitment to assist students with disabilities to self-advocate for equitable access to their academic environment.

Through an interactive process with a disability specialist, your instructor, and you, Accessibility Services provides classroom and testing accommodations for students with both temporary and long-term disabilities. We are here to support you to self-advocate for your accessible education.

Visit the Accessibility Services website to learn more!  

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Apply to ASPIRE Scholars now! 

 

need more information?

For general information, you can email us or fill out the form below. For the quickest service, please include your Student Number in all communications.

Note: During registration seasons, we experience a high volume of calls and emails. During those times it may take us a few days to respond to you.

Contact Us

ASPIRE Scholars Contact

Kassy Lopez, PhD
Program Manager
kassy.lopez@pikespeak.edu
719-502-3101

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