Nonprofit Profiles: Peak Education

Mike ProcellMike Procell
By Mike Procell
December 19, 2018
Jon leading a discussion with a middle school class at Mountain Vista.
Jon leading a discussion with a middle school class at Mountain Vista.

Peak Education was born 20 years ago in the aftermath of a drive-by shooting on Valentine’s Day, 1997, a tragedy which left two teenagers dead and two others imprisoned. Co-founders Dr. H. Dalton Conner, a periodontal surgeon, and attorney Steven U. Mullens began almost immediately working with police and the principal of Carmel Middle School in the heart of that Southeast Colorado Springs community to design an outreach program to help students escape lives where violence, drugs, gangs, and unwanted pregnancies were far too common.

Peak Education initially was conceived as a scholarship-based incentive program but quickly evolved into deep, long-term engagement with students and families focused on four strategies for success – college and career readiness, building students’ capacity for leadership, full family engagement in their students’ journeys, and creating broad-based community connections.

The latest statistics seem to indicate the program is indeed making an impact, and a difference. 100% of Peak Education scholars graduate on time from high school and go on to pursue educational opportunities beyond high school.

Peak Education is one of the participants in the Give! Campaign this year. More about that here: indygive.com

Marcus Wright (second from left) is a Peak Education scholar, Kane Family Foundation scholarship recipient and 2017 UCCS graduate. Brother Keenan (at right) is also a Peak Ed scholar, and currently the only Harrrison SD2 graduate to receive a Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship. Keenan has completed his first 3 years at CC studying Chemistry. Brother Justin (center with Mom) was not a Peak Ed scholar, but he too has pursued post secondary education at PPCC.
Marcus Wright (second from left) is a Peak Education scholar, Kane Family Foundation scholarship recipient and 2017 UCCS graduate. Brother Keenan (at right) is also a Peak Ed scholar, and currently the only Harrrison SD2 graduate to receive a Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship. Keenan has completed his first 3 years at CC studying Chemistry. Brother Justin (center with Mom) was not a Peak Ed scholar, but he too has pursued post secondary education at PPCC.
College and Career Fair, held at Mountain Vista Community School
College and Career Fair, held at Mountain Vista Community School

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