Community College of Aurora surpasses $18MM goal for new Applied Science & Technology Center

Learn how the Community College of Aurora (CCA) exceeded its $18MM campaign goal to build a new Center for Applied Science and Technology — transforming workforce education in Colorado.

About Community College of Aurora

The Community College of Aurora serves roughly 11,000 students across two campuses, online programs, and high school concurrent enrollment. More than 65% of students identify as students of color. CCA is dedicated to helping students earn degrees or certificates, or transfer to four-year institutions — while preparing them for in-demand careers.

The Challenge

To meet this need, CCA launched its first-ever capital campaign to fund a new Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) — a state-of-the-art, 50,000-square-foot facility designed to expand programs in:

• Construction and skilled trades
• Clean energy and power mechanics
• Applied engineering
• Cybersecurity and STEM fields

The goal: raise $18 million — far beyond what the foundation had ever attempted. It would also be the college’s first new building in nearly 25 years..

Executive Director John Wolfkill faced the challenge of building a campaign from the ground up while engaging industry leaders, government partners, and donors at a new level.

The Solution

Capital Campaign Pro connected John and his team with Advisor Paula Peter, who provided strategic guidance across all phases of the campaign, including:

• Campaign planning and structure
• Lead gift strategy and solicitation
• Board retreat design and facilitation
• Recruitment of high-level tri-chairs
• Proven templates and tools to accelerate progress

Paula worked closely with John, the campaign communications team, the Executive Director of Strategic Communications, and CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee — ensuring alignment across leadership and messaging.

The Impact

With Capital Campaign Pro’s support, CCA not only approached its ambitious goal — it surpassed it, raising $18.3MM+ through a combination of private gifts, industry support, and federal funding.

Key outcomes include:

• Successful recruitment and solicitation of prominent industry leaders as campaign tri-chairs
• Engagement of 40+ donors across public, private, and nonprofit sectors
• A high-profile public groundbreaking and strong government support
• Completion and opening of the CAST facility in October 2025
• Expanded workforce training capacity for thousands of students annually

Today, the Center serves as a hub for hands-on learning, featuring advanced labs, construction workshops, and real-world training environments aligned with industry needs.

Client Perspective

“We could not have been as successful and exceeded our $18 million stretch goal for our campaign without the wise counsel and strategy — and excellent templates and tools — from Paula and Capital Campaign Pro. Thank you for your partnership in this work that is already preparing several thousand students a day for in-demand careers in engineering, STEM, construction and diesel power mechanics.”

John Wolfkill, Executive Director, CCA Foundation

Advisor Perspective

“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

Looking Ahead

With the successful completion of its first capital campaign, CCA is now positioned to continue expanding pathways that connect education, workforce development, and economic mobility — serving both students and the broader Colorado economy.