April 22, 2026
Aurora, Colo. – This spring, the Community College of Aurora (CCA) once again earned the designation from the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) as a First Generation-Serving Institution. The honor recognizes Colorado colleges and universities that enroll a higher-than-average number of students who are first in their family to complete a bachelor’s degree.
CCA first received the designation in 2024 when the state introduced it. CCA continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting first-generation learners through intentional, student-centered services and resources.
This designation affirms who we are and who we will continue to be as an institution,
said CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee. Serving first-generation students is not a program or initiative; it is central to our mission. It is our responsibility as educators to ensure these learners are met with systems, supports, and opportunities that allow them to persist, complete, and achieve meaningful economic mobility. CCA is proud to be recognized as a First Generation-Serving Institution, and even more committed to the work ahead.
The designation also recognizes Colorado institutions participating in the FirstGen Forward Network, a national network of colleges and universities committed to advancing the success of first-generation college students through intentional, institution-wide strategies. CCA joined the network in 2025 and has expanded programming and engagement opportunities that celebrate and support first-generation learners.
By The Numbers
In 2024, approximately 35% of students enrolled in all of Colorado’s public colleges and universities were first-generation. That population is higher at the state’s two-year colleges, like CCA. That same year, 53% of Colorado’s student population in two-year public institutions were first-generation. CCA’s first-generation student population rose even above that average, as 65% of CCA students were first-generation in 2024.
CCA ENCOURAGES STUDENT SUCCESS
CCA provides comprehensive support services designed to help students persist and succeed, including mental health and counseling services, financial aid programs, food security resources, and more. The goal of the first generation-serving institution is to close educational equity gaps.
Receiving CDHE’s recognition for our commitment to first-generation students is both an honor and a reflection of CCA’s deep commitment to equitable student success,
said Vice President of Student Success Dra. Reyna Anaya. First-generation students bring resilience, determination, and a strong sense of purpose to our community, and we are intentional about building systems of support that help them navigate college with confidence. From academic advising and career coaching to creating spaces of belonging and connection, our work is grounded in ensuring students feel prepared, informed and supported at every step. While navigating college systems can be new and complex, our focus is on meeting students where they are and providing the tools, relationships, and opportunities that help them thrive.
Student success is more than just being in the classroom. The college’s work is grounded in creating pathways to credential completion, career readiness and long-term economic mobility for learners and their families. As a college where every student succeeds, CCA remains committed to building systems that empower students to thrive in college, career, and community.
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, visit www.ccaurora.edu.
CONTACT
Courtney Butler
Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]