Nov. 14, 2025
Aurora, CO – Last week, the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) announced that the Community College of Aurora (CCA) earned the state’s Career Connected Campus designation. The honor recognizes CCA for integrating work-based learning experiences into its academic programs to best prepare students for the workforce. That means CCA students can expect CCA to deliver on its promise to provide education that’s directly aligned with industry needs. For employers and CCA partners, the designation assures that CCA graduates bring the latest knowledge, skills, and practical experience to the workforce.
The Community College of Aurora is honored to be recognized as a Career Connected Campus,
said CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee. This designation affirms our commitment to linking education and employment through innovative pathways that meet Colorado’s evolving workforce needs. By connecting students to hands-on learning and industry partnerships, we are building bridges to sustaining-wage careers and a stronger, more inclusive economy.
CDHE considers granting the designation to all higher education institutions in Colorado, including two-year and four-year colleges, private and public institutions, and urban, suburban and rural schools. Of the five institutions to receive the quadrennial designation for 2026-2029, CCA is the only community college. 2025 is the second year CDHE granted the Career Connected Campus designation, and CCA is only the second community college to earn it.
The Career Connected Campus Designation represents a bold step forward in aligning education with opportunity,
said Dr. Angie Paccione, CDHE executive director. It signals to students, families and employers that our institutions are deeply committed to preparing learners not just for graduation, but for meaningful careers. By integrating work-based learning, industry partnerships and career readiness into the fabric of higher education, we’re ensuring Colorado’s talent pipeline is strong, inclusive and future-ready.
This announcement comes after CCA co-authored a study earlier this fall about ways to develop and launch behavioral health programs that provide important workforce certifications. It also aligns with research from this spring that ranked CCA number two for return on investment among Colorado community colleges, demonstrating long-term value to students and impact on the state’s economy.
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]