The Falcon School District 49 Board of Education has yet to give their final approval, but Pikes Peak Community College is scheduled to begin offering classes at the former Falcon Middle School on Aug. 18. The D 49 board approved a memorandum of intent for the partnership with the college at a January board meeting.PPCC President Tony Kindel presented the plan to the State Board for Community Colleges Feb. 13, and it was unanimously approved. A final approval from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education is expected in March.PPCC will share the building with a new D 49 alternative school.Initially, 180 classes that lead to an associate degree in art or business will be offered at the Falcon campus. In addition, they will offer an emergency medical services program.”PPCC has approximately 2,400 students from the Powers, Falcon, eastern plains areas,” said Nan Heflin, public information specialist. “Half of those students attended classes at the Centennial campus, about 20 miles from Falcon. The rest attend the north campus or take online classes. We will be able to reach many more people interested in postsecondary education.”The addition of a PPCC campus in Falcon also will give students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. The duel credit program allows the student to experience college without the anxiety that often accompanies freshman year.”The partnership benefits the district, community and the students,” said Laine Gibson, chief financial officer for D 49. “PPCC will cover all its own costs, including utilities and janitorial services.”According to PPCC materials, the college’s tuition rate is about one-third the cost of most public four-year colleges and universities in Colorado. Students earning an associate degree in art or science at PPCC may be eligible for the 60+60 Bachelor’s Degree Transfer Program. Students who earn a grade of C or better in each class can transfer their credits to all Colorado public four-year colleges and universities. PPCC maintains transfer agreements, special program privileges or educational partnerships with more than 40 public and private colleges and universities throughout the country.Classes are planned for day, evening and Saturdays. Registration will begin April 14. A grand opening celebration is planned for Aug. 1.
