Press Kit - About CCD

Originally established in 1967 by the Colorado Legislature, Community College of Denver (CCD) is one of 13 community colleges within the Colorado Community College System. CCD stands as a beacon of educational excellence in the heart of Denver, offering a dynamic hub of learning, innovation, and community enrichment. 

Programs

CCD offers a myriad of programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of our community. Our concurrent enrollment programming provides high school students with a head start toward their career goals, allowing them to graduate with certificates or associate degrees even before receiving their high school diplomas, saving both time and money. Lifelong learners benefit from our non-credit courses, while fast-track career certificates address the immediate demands of the workforce, from language learning for industry workers to technical certifications in cutting-edge fields.

CCD is more than the economically savvy option. Many of our degree programs, including business, nursing, dental hygiene, and veterinary technology, lead to high-wage, high-demand careers, reflecting our dedication to offering extensive career pathways. Our intimate class sizes, coupled with passionate faculty dedicated to teaching excellence, contribute significantly to nurturing student success, ensuring that every individual receives personalized attention and guidance on their academic journey.

Beyond the classroom, CCD is deeply rooted in Denver's fabric, empowering individuals through workforce training programs, industry partnerships, and apprenticeships. We are agents of change, breaking barriers and serving as pillars of our community. Our mission is clear: to equip individuals with the skills they need to thrive in today's rapidly evolving job market, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Diversity

Our student body, diverse in age, background, and ambition, embodies inclusivity and accessibility. From intrepid teens to seasoned professionals seeking career changes, from DREAMers to veterans, CCD provides a supportive environment where every student matters. 

For more than 20 years, CCD has been federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), which means more than 25 percent of the student population is Hispanic/LatinX.

Quick Facts

  • President: Dr. Marielena DeSanctis
  • School Color: Purple and Goldenrod
  • Nickname: CityHawks
  • Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degrees, Associate’s degrees, Certificates, and Continuing Education (non-degree and workplace programs)
  • Number of Students: More than 11,000 annually
  • Number of Faculty/Staff: 200
  • Campus Locations: Auraria campus (main), the Advanced Manufacturing Center, and the Lowry campus.
  • Additional Locations: Abraham Lincoln High School, CEC Early College of Denver, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, and Denver Police Department Academy

Media Assets

CCD's high-quality videography is available on its YouTube Channel. Please contact media@ccd.edu to request photographs of our students, faculty, staff, and buildings.

Social Media

CCD uses the handle "CCDEdu" for most of its social media channels. Please tag and share your stories with us.