The Center for STEM, Power Mechanics, and Applied Technologies will house programs in construction, diesel power mechanics, and other STEM pathways.

The Community College of Aurora (CCA) broke ground on its historic Center for STEM, Power Mechanics, and Applied Technologies, the first new building constructed on the campus in nearly two decades.

The facility will house programs in construction, diesel power mechanics, engineering, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and other STEM pathways, preparing students to enter the workforce and/or transfer to four-year institutions.

“This new building will change lives,” said CCA president Dr. Mordecai Brownlee to a crowd of more than 350 attendees. “We are embarking on a historic event for both our college and the community.”

Event speakers included Colorado Community College System (CCCS) Chancellor Joe Garcia; State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education chair, the Honorable Senator Rollie Heath; City of Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman; and other public officials.

“CCA’s new Center for STEM, Power Mechanics, and Applied Technologies represents the pinnacle of what we’re all about—providing dynamic, high-quality education and workforce training opportunities that are accessible, affordable, and most importantly transformative,” said Chancellor Garcia. “I want to thank each and every person here for helping us reach this milestone that reflects over a decade of collaborative planning, hard work, and coordination.”

The project is well underway with $6 million in funding from the State of Colorado and $3.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars from Arapahoe County Commissioners. Pat Hamill, Chairman and CEO of Oakwood Homes; Bruce Wagner, CEO of Wagner Equipment; and George Eidsness, President of Transwest, came together to commit an additional $2 million towards the project.

The new Center for STEM, Power Mechanics, and Applied Technologies building is expected to be completed for students in Fall 2024.