(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) announced measures to support military students who may be affected by the potential government shutdown.

PPSC said it has identified students currently enrolled in upcoming terms who could lose their Department of Defense Tuition Assistance funding, representing over $20,000 in educational benefits. In response, PPSC has allocated institutional scholarship funds to cover tuition for these affected students if a continuing resolution is not approved.

“At PPSC, we believe that actions matter when it comes to being truly military-friendly,” said Paul DeCecco, Director of Military and Veterans (MVP) Programs. “We’re prepared to step in and provide financial support to our military students. We’ll award scholarships to service members who have their approved Tuition Assistance Requests cancelled due to a government shutdown.”

PPSC’s support plan includes:

Proactive outreach to potentially affected students, advising them not to drop classes

Institutional scholarships to replace cancelled Tuition Assistance funding

Alternative classroom locations if base facilities become inaccessible

Continued coordination with Army and Air Force/Space Force education centers

According to PPSC, while Department of Defense education assistance may be impacted, VA Education benefits should continue uninterrupted. The MVP team will begin contacting students on Oct. 1 if a shutdown occurs, reassuring them that the college will provide a scholarship to all students who have their Tuition Assistance cancelled.