Aims Community College and University of Northern Colorado Renew Aims2UNC Partnership

On September 25, 2025, Dr. Leah L. Bornstein, CEO and President of Aims Community College and Dr. Andy Feinstein, President of the University of Northern Colorado, signed the agreement. This has reaffirmed a shared commitment to helping students achieve educational goals by streamlining the path from associate to bachelor’s degrees.

This year, the MOU was updated to reflect a three-year term, demonstrating the success of the program and the strength of this partnership. The institutions hope to renew the MOU in September 2028.

“This partnership represents the very best of what higher education can accomplish when we focus on student success,” Bornstein said. “Aims2UNC removes barriers, provides cost savings and builds a true sense of belonging that carries students from their first classes at Aims to the completion of a four-year degree at UNC.”

Aims2UNC: Proven Student Success

Initially established in 2019, Aims2UNC allows students to be admitted to both Aims and UNC simultaneously. This model enables students to utilize academic support, advising and campus resources at both institutions while completing their first two years at Aims. Once they earn an associate degree, they seamlessly transition to UNC to finish their bachelor’s degree. Participants are also eligible to receive scholarships while at Aims, which are exclusive to those in the program.

One of the students who has successfully transitioned to UNC is Denise Prado. She received her associate’s degree in psychology in the Spring of 2024 and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree, with aspirations to work as a mental health professional. 

“The dedication of the staff at Aims2UNC is truly amazing and has helped me flourish in so many areas of my life,” Prado said. “After transferring, I immediately felt so involved because of the opportunities Aims2UNC brought to me.” She encourages others to take advantage of this program. “If I could be in a program like Aims2UNC again, I definitely would do it. I was able to grow and learn so much from just being in this program.”

Aims2UNC has helped hundreds of students reach their academic milestones. Since its founding, 411 participants have received a total of $346,632 in institutional scholarship support while at Aims. There are currently 242 participants working on an associate’s degree at Aims, with an average GPA of 3.19. During its run, 441 participants have earned 524 credentials at Aims. 

Currently, 217 Aims2UNC students attend UNC and hold an average GPA of 3.28. To date, 130 participants have earned their bachelor’s degree and 12 have gone on to complete or pursue a master's degree at UNC.

Behind these numbers are powerful student stories that illustrate the actual impact of Aims2UNC, including that of Aims alumnus Egide Godonou. He is now in his first semester at UNC, studying business. “Aims2UNC has been transformative for me. It's been a game-changer,” he said.  He feels the program offered him the support needed to thrive academically.

Originally from the West African country of Benin, Godonou moved to the United States in 2022 and graduated from Aims in Spring 2025. “When I first arrived in Greeley, my aspirations were set on UNC, and now, thanks to Aims2UNC, that goal is within reach.” Godonou was a commencement speaker at the Spring 2025 ceremony at Aims and served as the Vice President for Public Relations of the Student Government Association. “The program has provided me with invaluable resources, encouragement to think bigger,” he said. 

With the renewed MOU, both institutions reaffirm their commitment to expanding opportunities, mitigating obstacles and creating a strong sense of community for students as they pursue higher education.

The Aims2UNC program will present an annual update at the Aims Board of Trustees meeting on November 12, 2025. 

To learn more about Aims2UNC, please visit aims.co/aims2unc.