The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) recognized Aims Community College with its highest level of Basic Needs Campus Designation at the Comprehensive Tier.
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Aims Among First Colorado Colleges to Receive Comprehensive Basic Needs Designation
June 23, 2026
The Weld County Food Bank's Farms to Families food truck brings fresh produce to Aims students on campus.
It acknowledges Aims’ commitment to ensuring students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed in college and beyond. The designation is part of CDHE’s Colorado Higher Education Impact Framework (CHEIF), which recognizes institutions that address the social determinants of student success, including food security, housing stability, mental health, financial wellness and access to essential resources. Aims is among the inaugural cohort of Colorado institutions to receive the designation and one of a select group of colleges and universities recognized at the Comprehensive Tier level.
Arty's Pantry provides Thanksgiving meal kits to students around the holiday.
“At Aims, student success begins with meeting students where they are,” said Dr. Leah L. Bornstein, Aims Community College CEO and President. “We know that academic achievement is closely connected to a student’s overall well-being. When students have access to food, housing support, mental health resources and emergency assistance, they are better positioned to focus on their education and reach their goals.”
The Basic Needs Campus Designation highlights a college’s role in helping build stronger communities by supporting students not only in the classroom, but in every aspect of their educational journey. Aims accomplishes this mission in various ways.
- Food Security | Aims helps students address food insecurity by providing free food, personal care items and essential supplies through Arty's Pantry, with support from a partnership with Weld Food Bank. Students can also work with CARE Case Management to access SNAP benefits, community food resources, and other support services that reduce barriers to academic success.
Later this fall, Aims Counseling Services will move into the new Student Health and Wellness Center on the Greeley Campus.
- Mental Health | Psychological support is a key component of student success at Aims. Counseling Services, Arty's Recovery Connection, CARE Case Management and wellness initiatives help students address personal challenges and access resources. Findings from the Healthy Minds Study have also informed expanded wellness efforts and the creation of the Student Accessibility and Well-Being Department.
- Physical Health and Wellness | Aims supports student health through wellness programming, preventative care education, health screenings, fitness facilities and referrals to community healthcare providers. Beginning in Fall 2026, the Student Health and Wellness Center, operated in partnership with Sunrise Community Health, will provide integrated medical, dental and behavioral health services directly on campus.
- Housing Support | Through CARE Case Management, Aims connects students with emergency shelter resources, rental assistance programs, local housing authorities and transitional housing options. The College also partners with College Pads to provide students access to verified off-campus housing listings, roommate matching, renter education resources and housing navigation support.
- Emergency Financial Assistance | The Student Emergency Fund provides one-time financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected hardships that could impact their ability to remain enrolled and complete their education.
- Financial Wellness and Literacy | Aims provides financial literacy workshops, one-on-one support through CARE Case Management, and referrals to community partners, such as Benefits in Action. Students can receive guidance on budgeting, credit management, student loans, debt reduction, and public benefits programs that help improve financial stability and persistence.
- Student Resource Navigation and Case Management | Aims offers personalized support through enrollment coaches, Student Affairs, and CARE Case Management. Students can work directly with staff to create wellness success plans, identify challenges and connect with both campus and community resources that support their academic, personal and financial well-being.
- Transportation Support | To reduce transportation barriers, Aims provides students with information on public transit options through its partnership with Greeley Evans Transit (GET). Students have access to route guides, trip-planning resources, real-time transit tracking tools, and transportation assistance information to help them travel to and from campus.
- Technology Access | Aims Community College supports equitable access to technology through a comprehensive equipment-lending program that includes laptops and hotspots. Computer labs are available as well.
The Aims student employment job fair provides on-campus opportunities.
- Employment and Career Support | Aims provides robust on-campus employment opportunities that prioritize access for students with demonstrated financial need, fostering both educational persistence and economic stability. Career Services guides students and alumni in exploring and achieving their career goals. Through career coaching, skill development and career-readiness activities, the team helps individuals identify their strengths and connect with meaningful work experiences.
To learn more about all the ways Aims supports students, visit aims.co/student-resources.
