March 4, 2026
Aurora, Colo. — The Community College of Aurora (CCA) has been named a 2026 Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility. The designation recognizes institutions within the ATD Network that demonstrate meaningful progress in improving student outcomes, expanding access, and strengthening institutional capacity through evidence-based, data-informed strategies. ATD first included CCA in its network of Leader Colleges in 2022 for a three-year term and CCA’s new term runs through 2029. At the conclusion of the term, the college may apply for recertification.
ATD formally recognized the 2026 Leader Colleges during the DREAM 2026 Champions of Change Celebration Luncheon earlier today.
The 2026 Leader Colleges demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,
said Dr. Karen A. Stout, President and CEO of Achieving the Dream. By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices, and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD Network, reflecting the focus, discipline, and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.
Leader Colleges are recognized for advancing student success strategies tailored to their local contexts, with an emphasis on students who have historically been underserved. Institutions earning the designation show evidence of improving early momentum metrics such as retention and credit completion, as well as longer-term outcomes including credential attainment.
This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of our faculty, staff, and students to creating meaningful pathways to success,
said Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of Community College of Aurora. At CCA, we are intentional about using data to drive decisions, close equity gaps, and ensure every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to achieve their educational and career goals. Being named a Leader College affirms that our work is making a measurable difference in the lives of our students and in the communities we serve.
Thirty-six community colleges across the ATD Network earned Leader College status in 2026. The designation is considered a significant milestone within the network, recognizing colleges that have built strong cultures of continuous improvement and institutionalized effective student success practices.
ATD uses insights and innovative strategies from Leader Colleges like CCA to inform and inspire institutions nationwide in their efforts to support students and strengthen community impact.
Being named a Leader College affirms CCA’s focus on student success, equity, and continuous improvement. As the college enters its new Leader College term through 2029, CCA remains committed to strengthening data-informed practices, deepening community partnerships, and expanding pathways that support students from enrollment to graduation and on to meaningful careers. At CCA, opportunity and economic mobility remain within reach for every learner it serves.
About the Community College of Aurora
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) provides high-quality instruction and student support services to Aurora, Centennial, and Denver, Colorado. With a vision to aspire to be a college where every student succeeds, CCA is the most diverse college in the State of Colorado. Focused on creating social and economic mobility for its students, the college offers courses on three campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent enrollment programs. For more information, visitwww.ccaurora.edu.
ABOUT ACHIEVING THE DREAM
Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream (ATD) website: www.achievingthedream.org.
Contact:
Courtney Butler
Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]