Community College of Aurora raised an impressive $13.5MM, with no signs of slowing

Learn how Community College of Aurora raised $13.5MM (with no signs of slowing) toward a new $20MM 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 $20MM for the project, which is significantly more than the foundation has ever raised.

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 VP of Marketing, and the CCA President.

The Impact:

With Capital Campaign Pro’s help, John and the CCA team have secured $13.5MM 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, that engaged elected officials at all levels of government, area employers, donors, and students.

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