Success Stories
Cina Costa
Peak Education scholar Cina Costa graduated from the highly rigorous International Baccalaureate program at Palmer High School in May 2018, then earned both a prestigious Kane Family Foundation full tuition scholarship, and a Moniker Foundation scholarship to continue her studies at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Her interests in cultural anthropology led her to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation during the Fall 2018 where, as a member of Tipi Raisers, she helped to rebuild homes severely damaged in summer storms (pictured left). Her motivation was to spend time learning from “marginalized peoples discussing their ways of life, stories and hardships.” More recently, she has shadowed with a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst associated with the Family Support Center for Autism and is considering focusing her studies principally on psychology and philosophy and pursuing a master’s degree in applied behavioral analysis. Her dream, she says, “is to one day open clinics in impoverished parts of the world to provide more people with the benefits of Applied Behavioral Analysis.”
Daizha Brown
Peak Education scholar Daizha Brown was among the first 10 Sierra graduates to earn her associate’s degree in general studies from Pikes Peak Community College at the same time they received their high school diplomas in May 2018. This meant she entered her undergraduate studies at Colorado State University Fort Collins with 60 college credits. She plans to pursue a career in law, and in the spring of 2019 she was named an Associate Senator of the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU). In that role, she is a representative of the Black African American Cultural Center, ensuring the voices of students of color are heard in the work of the ASCSU, which allocates funding and provides other support for clubs, organizations and initiatives on campus. Of her experiences at CSU so far, she says, “I’ve learned that staying committed and consistent will bring great rewards in life.”
Alejandra Pedraza
Peak Education scholar Alejandra Pedraza was the 2014 Valedictorian at Harrison High School, before pursuing her studies in sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder as a Daniels Fund Scholar, a program which ensured all of her education-related expenses in her undergraduate work would be covered. Alejandra initially enrolled in the Chemistry Honors program, but ultimately majored in environment sciences, a decision that led her to study abroad in Latin American focusing on third world development initiatives. Alejandra graduated with honors from CU in 2018, was a member of the Peace Corps, received a Master of Science in Global Studies in 2022, a Master of Science in Socialogy in 2024, and is currently working towards a Ph.D.
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.
SCHOOLS WE SERVE
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."