The following is courtesy of a joint news release from the Community College of Aurora (CCA) and 4Rivers Equipment:
Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST)
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) Foundation has received a generous gift of $35,000 from 4Rivers Equipment, a leading construction equipment supplier based in Commerce City, to support the development of CCA’s new Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST).
As Colorado’s largest John Deere equipment dealer, 4Rivers Equipment is partnering with CCA on its innovative Diesel Power Mechanics program, providing critical resources to ensure students are well-equipped for careers in the industry.
The CAST facility, currently under construction, is CCA’s first new building project in nearly two decades. The state-of-the-art facility will be home to the college’s STEM-focused education and career programs such as diesel and power mechanics, engineering, construction, cybersecurity, renewable energy and more. The facility aims to prepare students for employment in high-demand industries or for transfer to four-year universities.
“The generous support of 4Rivers Equipment for the new CAST facility will mean more Coloradans are prepared to fill in-demand roles in heavy equipment, trucking and construction. More than that, through CCA’s unique Diesel Tech program schedule, students spend two weeks in class and then two weeks on-site each month with their future employers like 4Rivers Equipment learning from senior technicians,” said John Wolfkill, Executive Director for the CCA Foundation.
Jim DeLung, Dean of Academic Success in Career & Technical Education said, “CCA’s Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE) is deeply grateful for our ongoing collaboration with 4Rivers. These industry partnerships are at the heart of what we do—ensuring our courses remain industry-relevant and that facilities like CAST are thoughtfully designed and furnished with sector-specific equipment.”
Local business and community partners have praised the college’s efforts in prioritizing programs that will help propel these important industries forward in Colorado.
“A Vital Resource”
4Rivers Equipment CEO John Shearer emphasized the importance of the center, stating, “Equipment technicians are the backbone of Colorado’s infrastructure development, ensuring that our roads, bridges, and buildings are constructed and maintained to the highest standards. The new Center for Applied Science and Technology at the Community College of Aurora is a vital resource in training the next generation of skilled technicians, helping to fill the growing number of open positions in our industry and supporting the continued growth and prosperity of our state.”
Construction of the CAST facility has been ongoing at CCA’s CentreTech campus throughout the year and is on track to open for the fall 2025 semester.
For more information about how to support students and projects like cast, visit https://auroragives.org/.