Community College of Denver Selected for Aspen Institute's Unlocking Opportunity Network

Community College of Denver Joins a National Network of Community Colleges Working to Align Programs with Good Jobs and Bachelor's Pathways, Addressing Local Talent Needs and Changing Student Lives.

DENVER, Colo., Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Community College of Denver (CCD) has been selected by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program to join the Unlocking Opportunity Network, an initiative designed to help community colleges reform programs in ways that improve student outcomes, ensuring students earn degrees that lead to good-paying jobs. CCD is the only Colorado institution chosen for this expansion, underscoring the College's role as a statewide leader in workforce development and student success.

Through this multi-year initiative, CCD will partner with the Aspen Institute and the Community College Research Center to design and implement data-driven reforms that expand access, improve advising, and align programs with high-wage, high-demand careers. CCD joins 54 other colleges nationwide in advancing this work, following in the footsteps of 10 pilot institutions already demonstrating measurable progress.

"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."

"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. "They rightly assume that the degree and certificate programs their colleges offer will deliver a good job and fulfilling career either directly after community college or after transferring and earning a bachelor's degree. 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."

Unlocking Opportunity Network, developed in partnership with the Community College Research Center, is supported by Arnold Ventures, Ascendium Education Group, Bank of America, ECMC Foundation, and JPMorganChase. The expansion of the Unlocking Opportunity Network is made possible by the support of JPMorganChase. Click here to learn more about the Network.

About Community College of Denver 
Community College of Denver (CCD) is a fully accredited leading Colorado community college. CCD was voted Colorado's Best Community College in the Denver Metro area by The Colorado Sun readers. CCD is recognized for graduating students with less debt and its guaranteed transfer agreements with all Colorado state colleges and universities. The college also leads with innovative on-campus and online certificate and degree programs. CCD provides a no-tuition high school diploma program to help students start on their path of choice. To learn more about CCD and its programs, resources, industry partnerships and foundation giving, visit ccd.edu.

About Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society's greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit aspeninstitute.org.

SOURCE Community College of Denver