Remove barriers.
Transform futures.
Why
Quick readiness check:
COLORADO SPRINGS SHOWS WHAT'S POSSIBLE
In less than five years, D2 Promise went from private seed funding to voter-approved public investment.
- Enrollment at PPSC jumped from 19% to 35%Evolving first-dollar model covers tuition and financial aid provides money that students can use for housing, childcare, books, and other expensesThe community voted “yes” to provide sustainable mill levy funding
This isn't just free college. It’s changing the dinner table conversation from “we can’t afford college” to “which program is a good fit?”
local impact
Design & vision
Sustainable funding
Launch planning
Implementation & learning
Seed Funding
$200,000 per site over two years
Fellowship Support
Expert coaching, financial modeling tools, peer network
Timeline
October 2027 cohort launch
Format
Sprints are 2-3 day intensive sessions held in Colorado. Fellows also participate in monthly virtual coaching check-ins between sprints.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Leaders ready to change their communities
The Fellowship seeks executive-level leaders with the authority and credibility to influence across education, philanthropy, and government sectors.
Ideal Fellows
Promising communities
WHO WE ARE
The Promise Fellowship is guided by leaders who have successfully built and scaled Promise programs in Colorado.
PARTNERS & FUNDERS
Join the movement
Promise programs create the educated, future-ready workforce our communities need. Whether you're a national foundation, family philanthropist, or corporate leader investing in talent development, this is how we build stronger communities together.
Why partners invest in Promise:
Future-ready workforce
Community colleges prepare students for careers that don't exist yet – especially critical as AI reshapes the economy. Promise programs ensure talent pipelines stay strong.
Community leadership
When students succeed, they become the engaged citizens and community leaders who solve tomorrow's challenges. Investment in education is investment in civic health and meaningful work.
Proven innovation
Be part of what works. Promise programs are redefining how communities invest in their future – your partnership helps write that story and shape thought leadership.
Economic impact
Every dollar invested returns $7 in economic value. Graduates earn livable wages, spend locally, and lift entire communities. A rising tide lifts all boats.
Partners at every scale
We're building a coalition that spans national philanthropists to regional corporations to neighborhood businesses. What matters isn't the size of your investment, it's your commitment to communities where everyone has a shot at meaningful work and a good life.
Let's talk
Email us to start the conversation about how you can help transform communities and change students' lives.
Ready to transform your community?
The Promise Fellowship launches its inaugural cohort in October 2027. Express your interest and we'll schedule a conversation to explore whether this is right for you and your community—no commitment required.
Schedule a Conversation
FAQs
What makes this different from other scholarship programs?
Can we apply if we already have a scholarship program?
Why focus only on community colleges?
What can seed funding support?
How are Fellows selected?
What's the time commitment?
When does the first cohort launch?
How is this different from starting a Promise program on our own?