Colorado’s largest system of higher education with 13 colleges and 35+ locations. Focused on making #HigherEd and #workforce training affordable and accessible.

Colorado
What an incredible day at @CNCC_Spartans. State Board members, including Trustee Allison, Representative Lukens, and Senator Roberts, met with students, faculty, and staff. The energy on campus was amazing. Their visit showed their commitment to making sure CNCC’s needs are heard and prioritized at the state capitol.
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Students at @CCAurora use an interactive AI simulation platform to practice clinical communication 24/7. They earn stackable credentials and enter Colorado's behavioral health workforce job-ready. Learn more: piped.video/watch?v=VU-nBNNg…
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It is National #HSIWeek ! CCCS is dedicated to creating accessible, affordable pathways to high-demand careers for Colorado's Latinx learners and communities.
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Happy #LaborDay ! In observance of the holiday, our office will be closed on Monday, September 7. We wish you a fantastic day filled with family, friends, and more.
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As Colorado's higher education demographics shift, CCCS is stepping up to serve all learners at any stage of life. CCCS Chancellor DeStanctis spoke to Jeana Gondek with @KOAColorado on @ColoradoBRT's monthly business segment about how CCCS aims to create pathways that connect education to careers and economic mobility. 🎧 Listen to the August 26 podcast here: ihr.fm/3SBRwUb
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It was an honor to host Senator Michael Bennet at CCA’s CAST building to see our workforce training in action. CCCS Chancellor Dr. Marie DeSanctis: “What Senator Bennet saw at CCA is the power of education designed around real outcomes—programs shaped by employers and delivered by dedicated faculty.” Read more on our blog: bit.ly/4kaWS2d #WorkforceReady
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Today, Chancellor DeSanctis presented to the Joint Budget Committee at the State Capitol to advocate for the resources needed to sustain affordable, relevant, workforce-aligned education across the Colorado Community College System—on behalf of the students and communities we serve. We appreciate the Joint Budget Committee’s continued engagement and partnership in supporting Colorado’s learners and workforce. Thank you to our legislative affairs team and the many leaders across our System whose work makes this advocacy possible.
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Community colleges serve 41% of U.S. undergraduates yet receive less than 4% of philanthropic donations (Giving USA). Your support of CCCS helps students across the state launch careers, support families and build Colorado’s future. Donate today.  cccs.edu/foundation/give/giv…
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Warm holiday wishes from the Colorado Community College System! Our System Office and colleges will be closed from December 24 through January 2 as we take time to rest, reflect, and recharge. We look forward to welcoming students, partners, and communities back in the new year. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to 2026.
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Statewide, CCCS serves nearly 130,000 students annually – 44% of whom are first generation students. Donate today - become a partner in transforming lives, families and communities throughout Colorado!  cccs.edu/foundation/give/giv…
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Every day, CCCS transforms lives in communities throughout Colorado. Donate today and join us in expanding opportunities for students in every corner of our state.  ​ piped.video/watch?v=QLs7innG…
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This week, Chancellor DeSanctis, college presidents, and leaders from across CCCS traveled to the State Capitol to advocate for capital and technology project requests during the Capital Development Committee and Joint Technology Committee hearings. We appreciate our state legislators for the thoughtful dialogue and engagement as they learned more about these proposed investments and their importance to students, workforce training, and communities across Colorado. Learn more about the projects and CCCS’s 2026 legislative priorities. bit.ly/4aUtRVA
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CCCS’s pledge is to reimagine the college journey, create more pathways to prosperity, and ensure that every learner has the opportunity to succeed—no matter where they start or where they’re headed. Donate today and become a partner in building Colorado’s future—one learner, one community, one partnership at a time. cccs.edu/foundation/give/giv…
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Community colleges serve 41% of U.S. undergraduates yet receive less than 4% of philanthropic donations (Giving USA). CCCS’s 13 colleges ensure all our learners across Colorado have access to affordable, personalized education opportunities. Donate today to help us launch careers, support families and build Colorado’s future.  cccs.edu/foundation/give/giv…
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At CCCS, we ensure learners across Colorado have access to affordable, personalized education opportunities. Economic mobility drives every program we offer, creating lasting financial security for individuals and their families. Give today to help expand opportunities for economic mobility. bit.ly/4ra7K3a #ColoradoGivesDay #WaveofGenerosity
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Nationwide, community colleges serve 41% of undergraduate students yet receive less than 4% of philanthropic giving (Giving USA). Statewide, CCCS serves nearly 130,000 students annually. Give today and help us transform lives, families, and communities every day. All donations made through our Colorado Gives Day page now through December 9 count toward their $1 incentive fund. #ColoradoGivesDay  #WaveofGenerosity​ bit.ly/4ra7K3a
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Transforming behavioral health education! At last month’s Behavioral Health Momentum Summit, educators, partners, and leaders shared and celebrated incredible progress in the delivery of flexible options for obtaining industry-recognized behavioral health credentials. bit.ly/3M3YZrA
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This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for everyone who makes our community so special. Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday!  Our offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the holiday.
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Colorado is redefining the future of learning and work. CCCS leaders joined a statewide panel to discuss the future of talent, opportunity, and how community colleges are helping meet Colorado’s workforce needs. Full story: cccs.edu/cccs-news/higher-ed…
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Congratulations to @OteroCollege Men’s Soccer for earning a spot in the 2025 NJCAA National Tournament. Under the leadership of Head Coach Alberto “Beto” Garcia, the Rattlers continue to demonstrate excellence on and off the field. Way to represent Colorado!
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Colorado leaders were front and center last week in Washington, D.C., as the American Association of Community Colleges convened national experts to shape the future of community colleges.    Several CCCS leaders were appointed to AACC Commissions and executive committee, guiding national work on student success, institutional transformation, public relations and advocacy, and strategic operations. Chancellor Marielena DeSanctis also joined a select group of higher education executives to discuss how to prepare presidents and senior teams for the evolving needs of today’s students and the workforce.    With more than 40% of the nation’s 10 million college students enrolled in community colleges, Colorado is proud to help guide the next era of community college innovation.  @Comm_College    Read more: cccs.edu/cccs-news/shape-the…
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Today, CCCS is honored to name our State Board meeting space the Joe Garcia Board Room, recognizing the leadership, vision, and legacy of retired Chancellor Joe Garcia.     During his tenure, Joe led CCCS through a period of profound transformation—expanding access, modernizing online learning, strengthening transfer pathways, advancing equity, and unifying our colleges through a strong “Power of 13” culture.     This dedication is made possible through the generous leadership gift of Bruce and Beverly Wagner, whose support advances the Chancellor’s Unrestricted Endowment and ensures CCCS continues to serve Colorado with innovation and impact. Former SBCCOE member Jim Johnson also supported the fund with an initialmomentum-building gift.     Join us in celebrating Joe and thanking the Wagner family and Jim Johnson for their extraordinary partnership.
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The Colorado Community College System has officially launched a national search for the next president of @CCDedu.    This search reflects CCCS’s commitment to inclusive, transparent leadership and to advancing CCD’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of Denver’s community.    Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to share their perspectives through a brief online survey and upcoming stakeholder conversations. Input from the CCD community will help identify the next visionary leader to continue CCD’s impact.    Learn more and view opportunities to participate: cccs.edu/press-releases/sear…
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We’re proud to share that CCCS and our colleges were recognized for excellence at the @ncmpr_national Districts Conference in Las Vegas! CCCS earned 3 Golds and 1 Silver for our strategic plan marketing and campaign — a testament to our team’s strategic creativity and collaboration. A big thank-you to our partners at Madison Avenue Collective for helping bring our vision to life, and congratulations to Austin from @NortheasternJC, awarded Rising Star!
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Proof that teamwork—and chili—make everything better. Congrats to our Chili Cook-Off champions, and thanks to everyone who brought the flavor, the fun, and a little friendly competition to this year’s event! 🌶️
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We’re proud to share that three CCCS colleges—@NortheasternJC, @PuebloCC, and @trinidadstate—have been named among the Top 200 U.S. Community Colleges by @AspenHigherEd! This distinction highlights the colleges’ outstanding student outcomes and their powerful role in advancing opportunity, workforce development, and economic prosperity for learners across Colorado. Congratulations to our incredible colleges and teams! Learn more about this prestigious achievement here: cccs.edu/cccs-news/3-college… #ColoradoCommunityColleges #StudentSuccess #EconomicMobility #WorkforceDevelopment
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Colorado Online earned the 2025 WCET WOW Award for innovation in workforce-ready learning. Congrats to the CCCS team advancing access and excellence in digital education! Read more: cccs.edu/cccs-news/colorado-… #EmpoweredTalent #CCsTransform #EconomicMobility #PowerOf13
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We’re deeply grateful to @MorganCC for hosting our fall leadership strategic planning retreat and October State Board meeting in Fort Morgan. From campus tours to conversations with students, faculty, and community leaders, we were inspired and saw firsthand how MCC is transforming lives and fueling economic growth across northeastern Colorado. Over the past five years, MCC’s entrepreneurial students and graduates have launched more than 70 new businesses, reinvesting their skills and passion right back into their communities. Their work exemplifies the goals of our CCCS Strategic Plan—meeting learners where they are, supporting their success, and strengthening the economic vitality of our state. Together, we’re shaping brighter futures for Colorado. #ColoradoCommunityColleges #MorganCommunityCollege #CCCS #TogetherWeWill #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicMobility
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CCCS is proud to be a Hispanic-Serving System, with more than half of our colleges designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions and a handful that are emerging HSIs. During #HSIWeek, we celebrate our students, faculty, and partners who create a culture of belonging and drive economic mobility every day. And as Hispanic Heritage Month begins today, we continue that celebration—honoring the many ways our Hispanic and Latino communities strengthen Colorado and our colleges. #HSIs #HSIWeek #HispanicHeritageMonth @HACUNews
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It’s official: Dr. Marielena DeSanctis (@mpdesanctis12) has been appointed Chancellor of @GoCCCS! She begins Oct. 1, bringing bold leadership to one of the nation’s largest community college systems. Learn more: cccs.edu/press-releases/dr-m… #HigherEdLeadership #Colorado #CommunityColleges #CCCS
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Today is #988Day, celebrating the lifeline that connects people to care 24/7. The Colorado Community College System prepares the workforce behind that care, offering behavioral health microcredentials to strengthen community support systems. #988Colorado #BehavioralHealth
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Today, Dr. Marie DeSanctis, the sole finalist for CCCS Chancellor, addressed a State Capitol panel on economic justice, education & workforce access. Amid federal aid uncertainty, she stressed CCCS isn’t just adapting—we’re shaping the future. With over half our students on aid, affordable education is key.
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The State Board has named Dr. Marielena DeSanctis as the sole finalist for CCCS Chancellor. She brings 26+ years of experience across K–12, higher ed, and workforce development—and would be the first Latina to lead CCCS. More: cccs.edu/press-releases/dr-m… #HigherEdLeadership #Colorado #CommunityColleges #CCCS
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From sea to shining sea, we hope your Fourth of July is filled with family, friends, and fireworks! Our offices will be closed today, Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. We hope you have a wonderful holiday!
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Today we say farewell to Chancellor Garcia on his last day with CCCS. Thank you for your incredible dedication and service to our community colleges. Wishing you a joyful and well-deserved retirement filled with happiness and new adventures!
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Earlier this month, Chancellor Joe Garcia attended his final board meeting as leader of the Colorado Community College System, closing a remarkable career dedicated to higher education and public service. Since joining CCCS in 2018, Chancellor Garcia has been a visionary force, championing student success, expanding access, and driving innovation statewide. His leadership strengthened institutions, built meaningful partnerships, and launched transformative programs like Bridge to Bachelor's and Colorado Online. As Chancellor Garcia prepares to retire on June 30, 2025, we celebrate his lasting legacy and deeply thank him for his commitment to students, faculty, and communities across Colorado.
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Today, CCCS and our 13 colleges are closed in observance of Juneteenth—a day to honor Black freedom, reflect on our history, and celebrate resilience and progress.
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Chancellor @CCCSJoeGarcia is celebrated for his transformational career in the June issue of @DiverseIssues magazine. As he nears retirement and the tributes roll in, this feature shares so much of what Chancellor Garcia has contributed to higher education and beyond. bit.ly/4jx8Y3r
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Did you know that there are six baccalaureate of nursing programs across the Colorado Community College System? In a field with nurse shortages, CCCS colleges are working to fill the workforce gap and respond to students who wish to continue at their college beyond their associates degree. Read the full article on how community colleges are meeting local needs with bachelor's degrees in high-demand fields while working to minimize impact on 4-year schools. bit.ly/4jzaUsw
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State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education member, Dr. Angelika Schroeder and CCCS's Chief Government & External Affairs Officer Fiona Lytle were on hand for Friday's signing by Governor Jared Polis of SB25-315 Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs. The bill creates a postsecondary and workforce readiness funding model that includes 3 types of funding: Start-up funding, innovation grant funding, and sustain funding.
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Graduations - all 18 of them - 2025 are in the books! Nearly 10,000 graduates, graduations shared by a parent and their child, and decorated caps galore! Graduates, we are so proud of the hard work you did to reach this momentous milestone. Congratulations to you, your families, and loved ones.
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Nearly 10,000 of our students are connected to the military. It is a profound honor to teach those who have done so much for our country! Our office is closed today in observance of #MemorialDay. We hope you have a great holiday weekend!
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This afternoon, Chancellor Garcia took part in Tepeyac Community Health Center’s annual Tortillas for Tepeyac fundraiser—and was named the 2025 Tortilla Titan! 🏆🌯 A big thank-you to Tepeyac Community Health Center for hosting such a fun and meaningful event!
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Earning a degree is a big milestone—earning it alongside your mom or daughter is something truly special. Gypsy and Aubree, a mother-daughter duo at @frccedu, are graduating together this spring. Read their story: blog.frontrange.edu/2025/05/… #CCCSGrads
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It’s Decision Day! Have you decided what you’re doing after high school? Whether you’re pursuing postsecondary education, training, serving your community or jumpstarting your career, we celebrate you. Share your gear or acceptance letter for your future program with #iDecided today! @CoHigherEd @MyCOJourney #DecisionDayCO #DecisionDay25
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“CNCC was ground zero for me.” Steve Basinger’s community college experience launched a 21-year career in the U.S. Air Force. This #NationalCommunityCollegeMonth, hear how @CNCC_Spartans helped him take flight: piped.video/D5IKqTR9pPY?si=oWYt… #CCMonth #BestDecisionEver
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Work with an employer on a climate resilience project to build your resume and your network and earn a $900 honorarium. This virtual work-based learning program lasts several weeks and is open to Colorado community college students who want to help protect Colorado’s future. Apply Now: cccs-forms.formstack.com/for…
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Applications closing soon—act now to become eligible for CCCS Foundation scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. Let us help you reduce education and living costs and support your journey. Don't wait – Apply Now! cccs.scholarships.ngwebsolut… #ScholarshipOpportunity
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This virtual work-based learning program is open to Colorado community college students who want to protect our communities and environment. Work with an employer on a project and gain invaluable experience, industry connections, and a $900 honorarium. APPLY NOW: cccs-forms.formstack.com/for…
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Colorado families saved $71 million in tuition costs through Concurrent Enrollment in 2024. Thanks to this powerful program, high school students across the state are earning college credit at little to no cost—making college more accessible, more affordable, and more achievable. College affordability isn’t just a goal—it’s happening now at CCCS. #ConcurrentEnrollmentWeek #CEColorado #CommunityCollegeMonth
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