Senator Michael Bennet Commends CCA Education Innovations in Visit at CAST

On Jan. 16, Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet toured the new Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at the Community College of Aurora (CCA) CentreTech campus. During the visit, he commended CCA’s award-winning academic program innovations that make it easier for graduates to enter the workforce and earn a living wage.    

“With an economy that’s changing at the speed of light, Coloradans deserve a quality education that prepares them to enter the workforce, make a living wage, and chase the American Dream,” Bennet said. “To do that, we have to pay our educators what they deserve, connect education directly to work, and ensure our students can read and do math at grade level.”

CCA designs academic programs aligned with workforce needs, positioning graduates for successful transfer or immediate entry into their career. This is possible, in part, by incorporating certifications into degree programs. CCA also fosters strategic partnerships that support pathways from education to employment. Some of those strategic partners include Colorado Youth for a Change and City of Commerce City. CCA also partners with other educational institutions like BuildStong Academy of Colorado, Cherry Creek School District, Aurora Public Schools, Regis University, and Colorado School of Mines.

​​“At the Community College of Aurora, we ensure every learner has access to an education that leads to opportunity,” said Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora. “As part of the Colorado Community College System, we work every day to connect education and workforce preparation so students can build meaningful careers and strengthen Colorado’s communities.”

After a tour, Dr. Brownlee joined the senator and several CCA partners to discuss the interconnected initiatives that build the network of pathways for students. In attendance was:

• CCA Dean of Academic Success in Career and Technical Education, Dr. Jim DeLung,

• Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, Dr. Marielena DeSanctis,

• CCA Provost and Vice President of Academic Success, Dr. Bobby Pace,

• Aurora Public Schools Executive Director of Equity in Learning: Programs, Dr. Zachary Rahn,

• Transwest Truck Trailer and RV Service Director, Jim Schoff,

• BuildStrong Academy Director, Allison Stepnitz,

• Arapahoe County Commissioner, Leslie Summey,

• CCA Dean of STEM, Dr. Susan Young, 

• Wagner Equipment Company Pathways Coordinator, Jesse McKay. Jesse was also recently featured in CCA’s Alumni in Action series. 

Building Educational Pathways Through Partnerships

At CAST, Senator Bennet joined education and workforce leaders from across the region for a discussion on the barriers that continue to limit socioeconomic mobility in education. A key theme centered on long-standing perceptions of higher education, particularly the stigma that has historically steered employers’ attention toward four-year institutions. As student loan debt continues to rise and traditional pathways become financially unattainable for many learners, community colleges like CCA are redefining value—delivering industry-aligned education through strong partnerships, applied learning, and diverse career pathways that lead directly to opportunity.

CCA intentionally designs academic programs around workforce demand, building connections with both industry and education partners to create a seamless network of pathways. This approach ensures students can pursue education and technical training that align with their career goals, whether that means immediate entry into the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. From a student perspective, they have a variety of ways to choose their career pathway and earn valuable socioeconomic mobility. 

That pathway network begins as early as high school. Through partnerships with Cherry Creek School District and Aurora Public Schools, CCA expands access to affordable college coursework through concurrent enrollment and programs like the Aspiring Educator Pathway program. As students graduate, CCA’s partnerships continue to reduce financial barriers through opportunities such as the full-ride Momentum Scholarship for former concurrent enrollment students, and the Commerce City Promise program. While enrolled at CCA, some students pursue workforce-driven pathways through partnerships like BuildStrong Academy of Colorado and Wagner Equipment Co., while others follow higher-education transfer routes through initiatives such as the Mines Academy and additional four-year degree pathways.

Senator Bennet’s visit underscored the critical role community colleges play in strengthening Colorado’s workforce and expanding access to education that leads to meaningful careers. Through facilities like CAST and a growing network of K-12, higher education, and industry partnerships, the Community College of Aurora continues to build pathways that connect learning directly to opportunity—ensuring students are prepared not only to enter the workforce, but to thrive in Colorado's evolving economy. 
 

Find additional, high-resolution photos from the visit here.

Dr. Mordecai and Family Featured in Denver Urban Spectrum

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Fernando Branch, Principal of Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy and Executive Director of the Colorado Men of Color Collaborative, for writing such a thoughtful and heartfelt article featuring my family and me.

As educators, we know that we never serve alone. When we show up for our communities, our families show up with us—lifting us, supporting us, and sharing in the purpose that guides our work. I am blessed beyond measure to walk in this calling with a family that believes in service just as deeply as I do.

Thank you, Dr. Branch, for capturing that truth so beautifully, and for your leadership in elevating the voices and stories of men of color across Colorado. I am honored by your words and grateful for the opportunities we have to uplift our communities together.

You can read the article here:
👉🏽 https://issuu.com/denverurbanspectrum/docs/dec_2025_v4_single?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw

"Miles with Mordecai" Raises Emergency Funds for CCA Students

Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, president of the Community College of Aurora, walked the entire length of the 71-mile High Line Canal trail to help raise money for the school's student emergency fund.

The fund helps students cover unexpected expenses such as utility bills, gas money, baby formula, and other resources to help keep them enrolled when money is tight.

The idea for the walk came about when Dr. Brownlee had a conversation with the widow of Bill Wiggins, one of CCA's founders.  Brownlee wanted to honor the spirit of service Wiggins had always shown to the school and the community.

In total, "Miles With Mordecai" raised nearly $100,000 from 77 donors.

Watch Video Here

Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Joins National Leaders at Student Success US 2025 to Confront the True Cost of College

Last week, Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee participated in an extraordinary plenary session at Student Success US 2025, addressing one of the most urgent—and too often overlooked—truths in American higher education:

College affordability is about far more than tuition.

During the discussion, Dr. Brownlee emphasized that for many learners—especially those from low-income backgrounds—the real barriers to access and completion are the non-tuition costs that are rarely acknowledged with transparency. These include the essential expenses that shape everyday life and academic success:

• Housing

• Food and basic needs

• Transportation

• Childcare

• Technology and digital access

• Mental wellness supports

• The opportunity cost of time

As Dr. Brownlee underscored, these hidden and underestimated costs determine who enrolls, who persists, who completes a credential of value, and who ultimately attains economic mobility.

The panel brought together national leaders who are advancing transparency and equity around the true cost of attendance:

• Nicole Siegel, Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• Catherine Brown, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, National College Attainment Network

• Mark Huelsman, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Hope Center for Student Basic Needs

• Anika Van Eaton, Vice President of Policy, uAspire

Dr. Brownlee expressed deep appreciation to Colleen Flaherty of Inside Higher Ed for extending the invitation to participate in this critical conversation. He also thanked Sara Custer of Inside Higher Ed for powerfully capturing his insights and reflections in her recent piece:
🔗 “ROI Starts on Day One” → https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/columns/editors-note/2025/11/20/roi-starts-day-one

During the panel, Dr. Brownlee shared a compelling message:

“If we want to close equity gaps in this country, we must be honest about the total cost of being a college student—and then design systems that meet real students’ real lives.”

He went on to remind the audience that:

• Transparency builds trust.

• Trust builds belonging.

• Belonging drives completion.

• Completion fuels mobility.

This is the essential work ahead for higher education—and, as Dr. Brownlee noted, “It matters.”

Aurora TV Features "Miles With Mordecai" Campaign

Grateful to Aurora TV for shining a light on our “Miles with Mordecai” campaign and the heart behind it.

Their coverage beautifully captured the spirit of this journey—and the moment our team connected with lead donor Molly Link, whose extraordinary $71,000 gift was made in honor of one of CCA’s founding fathers, the late Bill Wiggins.

Both Bill and Molly were a part of a team of community leaders who helped shape the Aurora Educational Center into what we now know as the Community College of Aurora.

Watch the video here.

Dr. Mordecai Faetured by Inside Higher Ed

Mordecai Brownlee’s body hurts. Last week he trekked three days and 71 miles along Denver’s High Line Canal to raise $90,000 in emergency funds for Community College of Aurora students’ basic needs. “ROI starts with stability,” the president of CCA said this week in Atlanta at Inside Higher Ed’s Student Success US 2025.

Click here to read the full article.

The pathways to opportunity in Aurora just became even stronger.

Yesterday, leaders from Aurora Public Schools, CU Denver, and the Community College of Aurora came together to advance educational access for our students. Through this new partnership, high-achieving APS students—including those enrolled in CCA’s concurrent enrollment programs—will now earn guaranteed admission to CU Denver.

This collaboration serves as a model for what happens when institutions come together around student success. Together, we’re ensuring that every learner can move seamlessly from high school to college and into a rewarding career—right here in our community.

At CCA, we believe that education drives economic

Dr. Mordecai Joins the EdUp Experience Network

In a world of constant change, one question remains: What is your mission? On Discovering Your Mission with Dr. Mordecai, we bring together trailblazers, thought leaders, and everyday champions to uncover the stories, strategies, and mindsets that fuel purpose-driven lives. Each episode is designed to inspire, challenge, and equip you to live boldly, lead with integrity, and impact the world around you. 

Learn more here: https://www.edupexperience.com/p/discoveringyourmissionwithdrmordecai/

Community College of Aurora Receives Institutional Award for Entrepreneuring Excellence

Proud moment for the Community College of Aurora (CCA)!

At the Higher Education Innovation, LLC (HEI) Presidents’ Conference hosted by Florida Polytechnic University, CCA was honored with the 2025 Institutional Award for Entrepreneuring Excellence. This recognition underscores our commitment to innovation, student success, and building entrepreneurial pathways that change lives and communities.

The conference also gave us the opportunity to learn from the NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Aircraft Operations Center, deepening our understanding of how precision, strategy, and innovation drive national impact.

At CCA, we believe in transforming possibilities into reality— together.

Record-Breaking Enrollment at CCA!

This fall, the Community College of Aurora reached a historic milestone—welcoming more than 9,500 students, the largest fall enrollment in our college’s history.

This achievement is not just about numbers, it is about trust. It reflects the confidence our students place in us to be the bridge to their future. It demonstrates the trust of our donors, who have given at historic levels to support scholarships, crisis grants, and wraparound services. It reflects the trust of our workforce partners, who continue to align with us to expand pathways in healthcare, behavioral health, applied sciences, and many other fields

Most of all, it reflects the relentless commitment of our faculty and staff. This incredible team shows up every day to remove barriers, design high-quality programs, and deliver on our mission of economic mobility.

Together, we are proving that when we invest in people, provide affordable and clear pathways, and walk alongside our learners, lives change—and communities thrive.

I am deeply humbled, proud, and energized by this moment. Thank you to everyone who makes CCA’s story possible. The best is yet to come.

-Dr. Mordecai

🚍✨ Barrier Removed. Access Restored. Future Unlocked.

Today, the Community College of Aurora celebrated the reinstatement of the RTD bus stop at our CentreTech campus. What may seem like a small change is, in fact, transformative—removing a barrier that kept too many of our students from accessing the education they deserve.

This milestone was made possible through the leadership of our Student Government Association, the advocacy of students who spoke up, and the steadfast support of our community.

We are grateful for the contributions of:

• Mayor Mike Coffman and the City of Aurora leadership

• RTD General Manager & CEO Debra Johnson and RTD Director Kathleen Chandler

• Our dedicated CCA faculty, staff, and board members

• And the many community leaders and elected officials who worked tirelessly behind the scenes

Together, we’ve proven that when we listen to students and act with purpose, we create pathways to opportunity.

The Community College of Aurora Opens Its Third Campus

Historic day at the Community College of Aurora!

Last week, we officially opened CCA’s Centennial Campus—a milestone made possible by our community’s belief in our mission.

Deep gratitude to Mayor Stephanie Piko, the Centennial City Council, and the dedicated City staff for extraordinary partnership. Thank you to the many elected officials whose support, especially for our inaugural nursing program, expands pathways to high-demand careers and strengthens Colorado’s workforce.

A special shoutout to fellow Colorado Community College System president Dr. Colleen Simpson of Front Range Community College for stopping by and showing support. We appreciate you!

To our remarkable faculty, staff, instructors, and students—your tireless work to prepare, move, stage, and welcome our community turned a vision into reality. You exemplify what it means to put students first.

The Centennial Campus is a promise fulfilled: expanded access, industry-aligned programs, and a learner-centered environment where every student can thrive. We look forward to hosting you for a tour, a class visit, a workforce partnership conversation, or to explore scholarship support through the CCA Foundation.

Community College of Aurora Quarter 3 Update Video

The Community College of Aurora Quarter 3 Update is Now Available!

I had the honor of recording our Q3 2025 video update from Heritage Hall, our newly renovated space at the CentreTech Campus that commemorates 41 years of impact and transformation.

From major facility milestones like our Centennial Campus and Center for Applied Science and Technology Building to trailblazing partnerships like BuildStrong Academy and the launch of CCA’s Corporate College, we are driving innovation, workforce development, and learner-centered pathways across Colorado.

Updates include:
💡 New campuses and capital projects
🛠️ Workforce expansion
🎓 Transformative partnerships
❤️ Student-centered progress

CCA is committed to the upward economic mobility of our learners, strengthening our four-year partner pathways, and responding to the workforce needs of our industry partners.

The City of Commerce City and Community College of Aurora Partner to Remove Barriers to Career Pathways Thanks to Rocky Mountain Partnership Cradle to Career

As part of their commitment to the region’s shared goal of helping 71,000 more young people reach economic and social mobility, the City Government of Commerce City and the Community College of Aurora (CCA)—both proud Target Champions—are teaming up to remove barriers and expand access to career pathways for local residents.

The Commerce City Promise is a transformative initiative offering free, short-term credential programs to all Commerce City residents through a partnership between the City of Commerce City and the Community College of Aurora (CCA). This program aims to eliminate common barriers such as cost and access, enabling residents to pursue meaningful career paths in high-demand industries.

Key Features:
• No-Cost Training: Residents can access credential programs in sectors like information technology, construction, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

• Automatic Enrollment: Any Commerce City resident accepted into an eligible CCA program is automatically enrolled in the Commerce City Promise—no additional application or cost required.

• Support Services: Participants receive support through CCA’s education and career services and the city’s Community Well-Being Division.

Funded through the city’s Advancing Commerce City Together (ACT) initiative, which utilizes federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, this program is designed to meet the needs of Commerce City’s growing business community while investing in residents' futures.

Learn more: https://www.redefiningcommerce.com/living-lifestyle/workforce-pathway/commerce-city-promise

Congressman Jason Crow Talks Workforce and Legislative Bipartisanship at CCA Town Hall

AURORA, Colo. — The Community College of Aurora was pleased to host Congressman Jason Crow for a recent town hall event where the congressman discussed his work in Washington, D.C., and took questions from attendees.

CCA students, faculty, and staff participated in the conversation, during which Congressman Crow spoke on topics ranging from CCA’s frontline efforts in workforce development to his ongoing work crafting bipartisan legislation alongside colleagues from both sides of the political aisle.

Congressman Crow said he chose CCA for this town hall in part because of the college’s strong role in serving underserved communities, a population he said he prioritizes and advocates for in Congress.

“Nearly 20 percent of my constituents were born outside the United States, and over 130 languages are spoken in this district,” Crow said. “There is nothing I take more seriously than protecting my constituents. And if people come after our families, our children, and our neighbors, they have to go through me.”

Congressman Crow, who has represented Colorado’s 6th Congressional District since 2019, said he reached out to CCA to engage in dialogue with college personnel who work directly with many underserved populations, including undocumented families and individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.

CCA President Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee welcomed Congressman Crow with opening remarks, saying the event offered a valuable opportunity to spotlight issues important to the institution. He also praised the congressman’s ongoing outreach and commitment to the community.

Dr. Brownlee thanked Crow for his support in securing federal funding for the college and noted his continued advocacy for additional resources.

“To have this time with our congressman speaks volumes about how he values the Community College of Aurora,” Dr. Brownlee said.

During the event, Congressman Crow answered a range of questions from the audience, discussing his legislative accomplishments and providing insight into how he works across the aisle, highlighting his reputation as one of Congress’s most successful bipartisan lawmakers.

CCA stands as a strong example of Congressman Crow’s priorities in action. The college continues to lead Colorado in workforce development, with several new initiatives aimed at preparing students for careers in high-demand technical and healthcare fields.

This fall, CCA will open the new Center for Applied Science and Technology, as well as the Centennial Campus for Healthcare and First Responders. These facilities will offer students hands-on training in critical sectors of Colorado’s economy.

To learn more about how CCA is advancing career-focused education in Colorado, visit https://ccaurora.edu. For a list of Congressman Crow’s legislative priorities, visit https://crow.house.gov/.

What Happened After This College Discontinued 30 Programs? More Faculty. Better Jobs. Higher Student Completion. Jobs for the Future Shares the Story.

When I became president of the Community College of Aurora, I knew bold change was necessary, but I also knew fear could stop us before we ever got started.

As an institution, we made the difficult decision to discontinue 30 outdated academic programs. But before we did, I had one job: remove the fear. Our faculty needed to know their value wouldn’t be lost in the change—it would be reimagined. And once fear was off the table, innovation walked in the door. TOGETHER, our institution was able to:

- Grow our faculty ranks.

- Launch workforce-relevant programs.

- Increase student enrollment.

- Improve student upward economic mobility.

This is what happens when you lead with courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to students. We are grateful to Jobs for the Future (JFF) for spotlighting our story and for creating space to explore how institutions across the country are redefining the future of work and learning.

Join JFF at the 2025 Horizons Summit in New Orleans to be part of the movement.

Late registration is now open: https://horizons.jff.org/annual-summit/registration

https://youtu.be/Y-Qq0ZrXHHM

Historic Partnership with Commerce City, Colorado

🚨 Big News For Commerce City and Community College of Aurora! 🚨

I am proud to share that the Community College of Aurora and the City of Commerce City have officially launched the Commerce City Promise — a powerful new partnership offering FREE short-term credential programs to all Commerce City residents!

From IT and healthcare to construction, logistics, manufacturing, and ESL, this initiative is about more than education — it’s about economic mobility, equity, and community transformation.

Thanks to federal funding through the city’s Advancing Commerce City Together (ACT) program and in collaboration with Rocky Mountain Partnership Cradle to Career and Gary Community Ventures, we are eliminating barriers and expanding opportunity — one learner at a time.

Learn more by visiting: https://ccaurora.edu/news-press/uncategorized/commerce-city-and-community-college-of-aurora-partner-to-support-education-and-economic-mobility/

Dr. Mordecai Wins "Man of the Year" Award by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce

I am deeply humbled and honored to be named “Man of the Year” by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Serving the greater Aurora community as President of the Community College of Aurora has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. This community has truly been an answered prayer.

Through our shared commitment to student success, we’ve built powerful collaborations with business and industry, opened doors to apprenticeships, internships, and job placements, created new four-year transfer pathways, and celebrated record fundraising for scholarships and capital improvements.

Every milestone we reach is a testament to what we can accomplish together. Thank you, Aurora, for embracing CCA’s mission and vision and for allowing me to serve with purpose and heart.

The best is yet to come.

(First photo includes all winners from the evening. The second photo includes my wife, Daphne.)

Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Featured in Inside Higher Education

"But he (Brownlee) stressed that community colleges need to 'lean into our moral obligation as educators to continue to provide equitable access and ensure economic mobility,' even amid federal 'friction points' over DEI." (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/institutions/community-colleges/2025/04/10/community-colleges-make-difficult-cuts-under-trump)

At the Community College of Aurora, we believe access to opportunity should never be out of reach—especially for those working hard to become U.S. citizens. When federal funding for our citizenship classes was cut, our community stepped up.

To date, over 500 donors have contributed to our Advancing Economic Mobility Fund (AEM Fund) to keep these life-changing classes alive. Will you join them? Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue this vital mission.

Donate here: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Eiyhlf

Together, we can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help more Coloradans achieve their American dream.

CCA and NJC Partnership Expands Crucial Paramedic Training forUnderserved Area of Northeastern Colorado

AURORA, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora (opens in a new window) (CCA) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its satellite paramedic training program at Northeastern Junior College (opens in a new window) (NJC). This collaborative initiative, a partnership under CCA’s accreditation and supervision, has been instrumental in providing paramedic training in northeastern Colorado for the first time in two decades.

Read more by clicking here.