Community College of Aurora raised an impressive $15MM, with no signs of slowing

Learn how Community College of Aurora raised $15MM (with no signs of slowing) toward a new Center for STEM, Power Mechanics, and Applied Technologies.

The Community College of Aurora offers courses on two campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent-enrollment programs. With roughly 11,000 students, over 65% of which identify as students of color, CCA helps students earn a degree or certificate, or transfer to a four-year college or university in Colorado.

The Challenge:

Now, more than ever, students require access to affordable, high-quality education that prepares them for careers in the post-COVID economy. 

That’s why CCA is embarking on a campaign to create a new Center for STEM, Power Mechanics and Applied Technologies.

This Center will expand critical programming in high-growth, high-demand career fields to address acute industry workforce needs and prepare Aurora and East Metro Denver residents for careers in construction, clean energy, power mechanics, applied engineering, cybersecurity, and other STEM fields.

The Community College of Aurora Foundation’s Executive Director, John Wolfkill, found himself challenged to raise $18MM for the project, which is significantly more than the foundation has ever raised. This is the first new building for the college in 24 years.

The Solution:

Capital Campaign Pro connected John and his team to Advisor Paula Peter to coach them on all aspects of campaign planning and lead gift solicitation, as well as the design of board retreats and tri-chair recruitment.

John and Paula work collaboratively with the campaign communications team, their Executive Director of Strategic Communications, and the CCA President, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee.

The Impact:

With Capital Campaign Pro’s help, John and the CCA team have secured over $15MM in gifts and government grants, with no signs of slowing down. John has successfully recruited local industry titans as tri-chairs and successfully solicited them for lead gifts.

The most tangible sign of success yet? A highly successful public groundbreaking, conducted by John and the CCA team, that engaged elected officials at all levels of government, area employers, donors, and students. As site work is beginning, John and the team continue to engage new industry partners as they prepare to go public. “As we celebrate our 40^th birthday as a college, the new Center and its focus on blurring the lines between K-12, higher education and workforce development demonstrates the college’s relentless commitment to creating paths toward greater economic mobility for all students,” says John.

Working with John Wolfkill and the entire team at CCA has been so rewarding. John’s diligence and instincts make him highly productive and able to nimbly adjust as circumstances change. President Mordecai Brownlee is enthusiastically and strategically engaged which makes all the difference in campaign success.”

Paula Peter, Capital Campaign Pro Advisor