March 3, 2026
Aurora, Colo. — Colorado Governor Jared Polis toured the new Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at the Community College of Aurora (CCA) on Feb. 27. During the visit, he joined education leaders from the region to learn how the college is preparing students for Colorado’s evolving workforce needs. Gov. Polis explored CAST’s modern learning spaces and lab environments designed to support STEM and skilled trades education.
I am excited to be at the Community College of Aurora today to celebrate the New Center for Applied Science and Technology building, helping students gain hands-on experience to develop needed skills to be able to get good jobs in Colorado. We are leading the way in creating career pathways for Coloradans to build career-ready skills, to grow our economy, and foster innovation,
said Governor Polis.
Gov. Polis visited the Innovation Lab with CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee (left) and JB Holston, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education (second from the left) while students participated in a soldering workshop. He spoke with student TJ Sorupanathan (right).
CAST is the cutting-edge, modern home for CCA’s STEM and skilled trades programs. The 50,000-square-foot building opened in October 2025. Education leaders from the region joined Gov. Polis in his visit. JB Holston, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), and Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, toured the dynamic education spaces. Along the way, the governor met with college staff and faculty to ask questions and learn about their program offerings, including the construction programs offered in partnership with BuildStrong Academy of Colorado, and the variety of workshops offered at the Innovation Lab.
At the diesel mechanics bay, the governor and accompanying education leaders had the chance to operate an overhead crane lift and move a diesel engine.
At the Community College of Aurora, our job is not just to make graduates, but to advance social and economic mobility,
said Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora. We understand there is a need to advance the skilled trades as well as the future of math and science. All of that is happening here at this college and here in CAST. It is so important that we continue to train our youth, working adults, and those looking to pivot in their career about the significance in utilizing their transferable skillsets for skilled trade opportunities.
The visit came at the end of career and technical education (CTE) month, which highlights programs that prepare learners for high-skill, high-demand careers. CCA’s focus on workforce-aligned education recently earned the college the statewide designation as a Career Connected Campus last fall. The honor, administered by CDHE, recognizes CCA for integrating work-based learning experiences into its programs to best prepare students for the workforce. Of the five institutions recognized for the 2026-2029 cycle, CCA is the only community college to receive the designation.
As Colorado continues to invest in workforce development and economic growth, CAST stands as a model for how higher education can respond to industry needs while expanding access and opportunity. Through innovative facilities, strong state and industry partnerships, and a commitment to student success, the Community College of Aurora is equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in today’s economy, and to lead Colorado’s workforce into the future.
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.
Contact:
Courtney Butler
Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]