AURORA, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora is excited to announce a partnership with Aurora Public Schools (APS) for the launch of the first-ever Health Science High School (HSHS). The state-of-the-art school is slated to open in northwest Aurora in the fall of 2027.
Aurora voters approved a bond in 2024, which will fund the project. As a partner, CCA will provide students with access to specialist pathways in healthcare education. These options will help pave the way for students to prepare for real-world opportunities in the healthcare industry. Programs offered will include:
- Nursing
- Behavioral Health
- Medical Imaging (X-Ray Focus)
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
Through collaboration with UC Health, students will receive hands-on experience, industry certification, and training in each of these fields. This approach will prepare students for healthcare fields that serve Aurora and its surrounding communities in in-demand fields.
CCA President Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee said,”At CCA we are committed to providing students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Our partnership with APS Health Science High School reflects this commitment, offering students invaluable early exposure to careers and the workforce. Through this collaboration, we help bridge the gap between education and the Health Care Industry, preparing the next generation to enter the workforce with confidence and clarity.”
Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Michael Giles said, “Aurora Public Schools is taking a significant step forward in preparing students for successful careers in health sciences! The collaboration with the Community College of Aurora and UC Health is an exciting development for both the local community and the future workforce. Offering a direct pathway from high school to post-secondary credentials and careers in healthcare will not only benefit students, but also help meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the area.”
The school will be located near North Middle School and, as a magnet school, it will be open to APS students district-wide. Leaders say the program will provide equitable access to educational opportunities and demonstrate CCA’s, UC Health’s, and APS’s commitment to student success.
Leaders say the school’s opening is a testament to the commitment of both APS and CCA to provide innovative and equitable educational opportunities. This project directly reflects the needs and aspirations expressed by our students, and we are excited to see these plans come to life.
Giles added, “What makes this opportunity truly special is that it directly reflects the interests and aspirations our students have shared. I am proud to serve in a community that listens to our students’ voices, understands their needs, and works collaboratively with students to make their dreams a reality.”
To learn more about CCA and the programs it offers, click HERE. Find more updates and information on this and other exciting APS bond projects by clicking HERE.
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]