Oct. 2, 2026
AURORA, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora (CCA) has been selected to receive $130,000 through Xcel Energy’s Clean Energy Careers grant program. The funding will support the launch and operation of a new workforce training program and expand access to hands-on education for careers in the growing clean energy economy.
Part of launching that program is the establishment of two to three training locations designed to make hands-on instruction accessible to participants. The locations will offer continuous open-lab instruction, instructor support and rolling monthly enrollment, allowing participants to begin training throughout the year.
The Xcel Clean Energy Careers grant arrives at a defining moment for CCA and our local workforce,
said Jim DeLung, CCA’s Associate Vice President of Workforce and Commerce City. While our Construction Management students study the crucial roles HVAC systems and weatherization play in sustainable building design, the regional demand for HVAC-related workforce training has never been higher. With this grant funding, CCA is directly addressing that gap by providing targeted workforce training for both seasoned professionals looking to advance and new learners launching careers in the skilled trades.
Grant funding will also support the hiring and training of staff, development of participant enrollment and credential management systems, and purchase and installation of equipment and materials needed to deliver the program. Investments will include training equipment, tools, consumable materials, and safety equipment.
Through flexible, ongoing opportunities for skills development and credential attainment, the program will help participants develop practical, career-relevant skills while supporting the workforce needs of employers in the clean energy sector.
The transition to a cleaner energy future depends on a skilled workforce and we are proud to support students at the Community College of Aurora through the Clean Energy Careers Grant,
said Xcel Energy Colorado President Robert Kenney. This grant will help create opportunities for students to develop the skills needed for rewarding long-term careers in the evolving energy industry.
The grant represents an investment not only in new training infrastructure at CCA, but also in the region’s future workforce. By creating accessible pathways for learners to develop in-demand skills and earn industry-relevant credentials, CCA aims to connect more individuals with career opportunities while helping employers meet evolving workforce needs across the clean energy sector.
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]