Aims Community College: Comprehensive Profile

Background

Overview

Established in 1967, Aims Community College is a fully accredited, public, two-year institution located in Northern Colorado. With campuses in Greeley, Fort Lupton, Loveland, and Windsor, Aims serves a diverse student body, offering over 200 degree and certificate programs across more than 50 academic areas. The college emphasizes inclusivity, affordability, and student-focused learning, aiming to provide accessible education to all individuals who can benefit from its programs.

Mission and Vision

Aims' mission is to provide knowledge, skills, and support services to advance the quality of life, economic vitality, and overall success of the diverse communities it serves. The college envisions empowering the future by offering innovative, transformative, and flexible educational experiences.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Student Success: Enhancing recruitment, enrollment, and retention by streamlining processes and extending opportunities.

Innovative Learning: Providing transformative and flexible course and campus experiences through emerging technologies and learner-engaged curricula.

Specialization Areas

Aims offers programs in arts and sciences, business, health sciences, public safety, and technology. Notably, the aviation program is highly regarded, offering comprehensive training for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals.

Technologies Utilized

The college employs state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced labs, simulation centers, and collaborative learning spaces, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.

Primary Markets Targeted

Aims serves a diverse student population, including traditional and non-traditional students, aiming to meet the educational needs of Northern Colorado's communities.

Financials and Funding

Tuition and Financial Aid

Aims is committed to affordability, offering the lowest tuition rates in Colorado for Weld County residents. In-state tuition is approximately $2,762 per year, with out-of-state tuition at $10,424. The college provides various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.

Revenue and Employees

The college's estimated annual revenue is $440.2 million, with approximately 1,747 employees.

Pipeline Development

Upcoming Programs

Aircraft Maintenance Training Center: Scheduled to open in January 2026, this facility will house the new Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P) degree program.

Student Health and Wellness Center: Approved in 2024, set to open in August 2026, offering on-campus medical and mental health care to students.

Workforce Innovation Center: Approved in December 2023, slated to open in fall 2026, this center will serve as an innovation incubator in Weld County.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Aims utilizes advanced educational technologies, including simulation centers and collaborative learning spaces, to enhance student learning experiences.

Scientific Methodologies

The college employs hands-on, experiential learning approaches, integrating practical applications with theoretical knowledge across various programs.

Leadership Team

Dr. Leah L. Bornstein – CEO/President

Serving since 2016, Dr. Bornstein has been instrumental in advancing Aims' mission and strategic goals.

Board of Trustees

A five-person board elected by the public governs Aims, advocating for the college and establishing policies supporting its mission and vision.

Leadership Changes

No recent significant changes in the leadership team have been reported.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The community college sector in Colorado is competitive, with institutions striving to offer affordable and accessible education to diverse populations.

Competitor Analysis

Front Range Community College: Offers a wide range of programs and has a larger student body, providing similar educational opportunities in the region.

Community College of Denver: Focuses on urban education with diverse program offerings, serving a significant student population.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Aims2UNC Partnership

Aims collaborates with the University of Northern Colorado through the Aims2UNC program, facilitating a seamless transition for students pursuing bachelor's degrees.

Industry Partnerships

The college partners with local businesses and industries to offer internships, apprenticeships, and job placement services, ensuring students gain practical skills and valuable work experience.

Operational Insights

Competitive Advantages

Affordability: Offers the lowest tuition rates in Colorado for Weld County residents.

Diverse Program Offerings: Provides over 200 degree and certificate programs across various disciplines.

Community Engagement: Deeply rooted in the community, engaging in various outreach and service initiatives.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Expansion Plans

Aims is focused on expanding its facilities and programs, including the development of the Aircraft Maintenance Training Center, Student Health and Wellness Center, and Workforce Innovation Center, to meet evolving workforce and community needs.

Enhancing Student Success

The college aims to support learners throughout their educational journey by streamlining processes, extending opportunities, and providing innovative and flexible learning experiences.