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Photo courtesy of Community College of Denver.
Photo courtesy of Community College of Denver.
Community College of Denver joins national career network
ColoradoBiz Staff //September 12, 2025//
DENVER — The Community College of Denver has been selected to join the Aspen Institute‘s Unlocking Opportunity Network, a national initiative aimed at helping community colleges align programs with good-paying jobs and bachelor’s degree pathways.
In Brief:
- CCD joins Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity Network
- Only Colorado college selected among 55 nationwide
- Initiative aligns programs with good jobs and transfer pathways
- Focus on student advising, access and career-driven reforms
CCD is the only Colorado institution chosen for the expansion, joining 54 other colleges nationwide. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Community College Research Center, is designed to improve student outcomes through data-driven reforms in advising, access and program alignment with high-demand careers.
“Being named to the Unlocking Opportunity Network is a powerful recognition of CCD’s commitment to student success and workforce alignment,” said Tina Garcia, vice president of student services. “This work will help us ensure that every student has access to high-value programs that lead to meaningful careers or seamless transfer opportunities, strengthening Colorado’s communities and economy.”
The network was launched in 2021 with 10 pilot institutions that have already reported measurable progress. Participating colleges are committing to three years of reforms aimed at ensuring credentials translate to strong job opportunities or bachelor’s degree completion.
“Every year, millions of students rely on community colleges for a low-cost pathway to what they assume will be a high-value credential,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “The leaders at each of the 55 colleges that have signed up for the Unlocking Opportunity Network have made clear that they will spend the next three years working towards the kinds of reforms needed to make that assumption a reality for thousands more students.”
The expansion is supported by Arnold Ventures, Ascendium Education Group, Bank of America, ECMC Foundation and JPMorgan Chase.
CCD, recently recognized as Colorado’s best community college in the Denver metro area by Colorado Sun readers, partners with state colleges and universities through guaranteed transfer agreements and is noted for graduating students with less debt.
