Meet Current Scholars
Eric Reyes
College Success Program
CSU Pueblo | Engineering
"I’ve been involved with Peak Education since 6th grade, and I’m still a Peak Ed scholar today.
I didn’t think I was the model of a Peak Ed student; I didn’t feel like my grades or behavior met their expectations. Even with all that, they chose to take me in—something I will forever be grateful for and something that changed my life for the better."
I really like the community that Peak Ed has fostered, and I’m very grateful for the guidance and opportunities they’ve given me over the years. Peak Ed is what gave me the dreams to further my education and to do something with my life beyond what I initially thought was possible.
With Peak Education, as soon as I got in, the mentors and everyone in the organization were always there for me. They kept me on track and really made me feel like a part of the Peak Ed family."
Eric and his mother, Annetta, at Peak Education's 25th Anniversary celebration, where Eric's heartfelt speech left the crowd in tears.
CORE PROGRAM
Scholars Schools We Serve
Carmel Community School
Doherty
High School
Fox Meadow Middle School
Harrison High School
Janitell Jr.
High School
Manitou
Middle School
Manitou
High School
Mann
Middle School
Mesa Ridge
High School
Mitchell
High School
Mountain Vista Community School
North
Middle School
Palmer
High School
Panorama
Middle School
Sand Creek
International School
SierraHigh School
Sproul Jr
High School
WidefieldHigh School
Success Stories
Alejandra Pedraza
Peak Education Alumni
Alejandra’s path has been defined by a commitment to growth and impact. As the 2014 Valedictorian of Harrison High School, she went on to study at the University of Colorado Boulder as a Daniels Fund Scholar, covering all of her undergraduate expenses. Initially enrolled in the Chemistry Honors program, Alejandra shifted her focus to Environmental Sciences, a decision that took her abroad to Latin America, where she worked on third-world development initiatives.
Never one to settle, Alejandra earned a Master of Science in Sociology in 2020, followed by a Master of Science in Global Studies in 2022. Now, as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Oregon in Eugene, she continues to push boundaries, driven by a passion for learning, growth, and global impact. Her journey is a testament to the power of guidance, perseverance and the pursuit of meaningful change.
Check out below, a personal letter from Alejandra and story from Vennita Browning, Peak Education's Program Director.
Fireside Story from Vennita
Let me share the story of one of our students’, Alejandra.
Her story truly captures the essence of what we do.
Alejandra came from a single parent background. She was in low-income housing with her family and through the years also faced homelessness. Despite her circumstances, she had dreams—big dreams. Through determination and support from Peak Education, Alejandra was high school valedictorian, earned a full ride to college, went back to get two Masters in Global Studies and Sociology, and is currently on her way to obtaining a Ph.D.
On the day I drove her to campus, she arrived in a tiny Honda Civic, packed to the brim. After settling her into her dorm, she took me out to lunch and said, “Ms. Vennita, for everything you’ve ever done for me, I just want to treat you.” It was a moment of pure joy, realizing the love and guidance we had poured into her had come full circle.
As I got ready to leave, she ran over and asked me to call her when I reached the city limits, just as I had done for her countless times. In that moment, I knew we had made a real difference in her life. She was honoring her Peak Education contract and giving back.
A Heartfelt Message from Alejandra
I never had the chance to be a teen. From the time I turned 14, I started working and focused on my academics. I knew the only way I was going to get out of the life I was predestined to live, was by getting good grades and a full-ride scholarship.
During my years in D2, there was a constant turnover. This made it hard to connect with teachers. I joined Peak Education when I was eleven years old. It started with little talks about good habits, finances, and eventually morphed into college how-to’s and physical steps I could take to get to where I wanted to get. Our monthly meetings exposed me to things I had no chance of being exposed to at home.Through the years Vennita was a constant. She always went above and beyond. Whenever I needed something, she was there for me.
That day, apart from driving me and moving my stuff in, Vennita talked to me, gave me advice, and listened to the uncertainty I was feeling. What I remember the most about that day is her excitement. It was loud, it was powerful, and it gave me so much strength to deal with my emotions. The entire time, from when she picked me up, she was beaming!
These things might not seem like much to a person of a typical household, but for me it meant everything and for that I will always be thankful to Peak Education for bringing her into my life. They gave me hope for a better future, a future that I am currently living.
I look forward to paying it forward.
WHAT SCHOLARS SAY
SOLOMON
Peak Education Scholar
"My parents stopped going to school after 8th grade because they had to work. They are so proud of me for working hard to go to college."
DOMINICK
Peak Education Scholar
"Peak Education helps us get ready for college and keeps us on track. I like that we can ask for help when we need it."
KAVADA
Peak Education Scholar
"The most important thing to me is being set on the right path and help in getting ready for college. Peak Education keeps me motivated and focused. I am the first in my family to graduate from college."
JESSE
Peak Education Scholar
"Peak Education instilled in me this idea: Never forget where you came from and the impact you can have on the lives of others."