[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 28, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF AURORA'S CENTER FOR APPLIED SCIENCE 
                             AND TECHNOLOGY

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 2025

  Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
recent opening of the Community College of Aurora's Center for Applied 
Science and Technology (CAST) Building in Aurora, Colorado.
  This is the first new building the college has opened in 20 years, 
and it marks a significant milestone. The CAST Building will house 
high-demand programs such as construction, diesel power mechanics, 
cybersecurity, engineering, and renewable energy. It will open new 
pathways for students and create lasting opportunities that will 
benefit both the college and the surrounding community for years to 
come.
  CAST will host programs in partnership with BuildStrong Academy of 
Colorado, including industry aligned workforce training programs in 
construction, skilled trades, and applied technologies. This will open 
up further pipelines of skilled students who will enter the Colorado 
workforce in industries that are in considerable demand.
  Furthermore, with the leadership of Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, the 
Community College of Aurora has experienced remarkable growth and 
progress. In August, the college opened its third campus in Centennial, 
focused on health care and first responder training. This new campus 
expands access to career-ready health sciences programs and student 
support services.
  Additionally, the college reached record enrollment levels this year, 
with more than 9,500 students enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester, an 
increase of approximately 1,000 students from Fall 2024. This is the 
highest enrollment in the college's history and is due, in part, to 
incredible partnerships that the college fostered with Aurora Public 
Schools to create more accessible pathways to careers and higher 
education for high school students. These pathways include dual-
enrollment, which will allow more high school students to graduate with 
college credits, OSHA certifications, and industry-recognized 
credentials--at no cost.
  CAST will help meet the needs of this growing and diverse student 
body by providing expanded access to in-demand career training and 
education. It is a powerful example of how institutions like the 
Community College of Aurora are preparing the workforce of tomorrow.
  My district, our state, and our Nation are stronger when we invest in 
our workforce, create opportunities for growth, and empower our 
communities. I congratulate the Community College of Aurora on the 
opening of the Center for Applied Science and Technology and thank them 
for their continued service to our community.

                          ____________________