AURORA, Colo. — The Community College of Aurora (CCA) Foundation is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Xcel Foundation to support CCA’s innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives. This grant represents a $5,000 increase from previous years, highlighting Xcel Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing STEM education and fostering impactful community partnerships.
The grant period runs from October 2024 through September 2025, a shift from previous award cycles, ensuring seamless support for the CCA STEM programs. Thanks to carry-over funds from the prior year, expenses for STEM initiatives during August and September will also be covered, ensuring uninterrupted programming for students.
“Xcel’s support is directly helping the college create experiences for STEM students that inform them about and prepare them for in-demand careers,” said John Wolfkill, Executive Director of the CCA Foundation. “From mechanical engineers to software engineers, scientists, and cyber security professionals, Xcel’s partnership is preparing highly diverse students with the knowledge, mentoring, experiences and college credentials necessary to fill critical workforce needs in Colorado.”
The Community College of Aurora’s (CCA) STEM Pathways to Success project funded by Xcel Energy Foundation provides experiential learning opportunities for CCA STEM students, raising awareness of STEM career opportunities and fostering STEM identities.
“This support connects our students with higher education and industry STEM partners through in-person and virtual visits and events in order to increase confidence, support transferability, prepare for internship opportunities, and increase awareness of career opportunities in STEM,” said Dr. Susan Young, Dean of Academic Success in STEM.
The CCA and Xcel Foundations are aligned in their commitment to empowering future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Both organizations are exploring opportunities to spotlight this partnership through joint communications and to deepen the partnership through employee engagement.
About the CCA Foundation
The Community College of Aurora Foundation is dedicated to securing resources that enhance educational opportunities for CCA students. Through partnerships with organizations like the Xcel Foundation, the CCA Foundation helps foster innovation, accessibility, and success for the next generation of learners. To support CCA Foundation on Colorado Gives Day, visit: https://www.coloradogives.org/ccaf-co
About the Xcel Foundation
The Xcel Foundation, funded by Xcel Energy Inc., invests in impactful community programs with a focus on STEM education, workforce development, and environmental sustainability.
About the Community College of Aurora:
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) provides high-quality instruction and student support services to Aurora 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 two (2) campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent-enrollment programs. For more information, visit www.ccaurora.edu.
Contact:
Courtney Butler
Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]