Aims Community College Earns Top Workplace Honors in Colorado and Nationwide

Aims Community College has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2026 honor by The Denver Post, recognizing the college as a great place to work in Colorado.  Aims is also a Top Workplaces Industry winner, ranking nationally in the education category. 

This is the fifth time Aims has received recognition as a Top Workplace in Colorado. The college has also received two overall national recognitions and a host of other Top Workplace awards. 

These honors speak directly to the kind of workplace we are building together,” said Dee Shultz, Aims Vice President of Employee Services and Chief Human Resources Officer. “It’s one where people feel valued, supported and inspired by a shared mission.”

This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage  LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including feelings of respected,  supported, enabled to grow and empowered to execute, among others.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from our employees,” said Dr. Leah L. Bornstein, Aims Community College CEO and President. “Our employees are the heart of Aims Community College. Their passion, innovation and dedication are what make this institution such a special place to work and learn.”

In addition to being recognized as a Top Workplace in Colorado and the national education sector, Aims was awarded Top Workplaces Culture Excellence in six areas.

Compensation & Benefits

This award celebrates the organizations that provide employees not only with material rewards but also with appreciation for their work.  The college provides comprehensive, highly competitive compensation, including 100% employer-paid medical and dental coverage for full-time employees and substantial support for dependents. Employees also benefit from participation in the Colorado PERA retirement plan, generous paid time off, and robust professional development opportunities, including tuition waivers and reimbursements. Together, these offerings demonstrate Aims’ dedication to supporting its employees both personally and professionally, helping them thrive at every stage of their careers.

Employee Appreciation

This award celebrates organizations that demonstrate gratitude for employees' efforts, and that employees reciprocate by being motivated to give their best at work. Aims has built a strong culture of appreciation, earning recognition for its meaningful and inclusive employee recognition programs. Initiatives like Ripples in Recognition invite the entire campus community to celebrate employees who demonstrate professionalism, collaboration and a commitment to student success, with honorees recognized monthly and a top award annually. In addition, Arty’s GEMS rewards staff and faculty who go above and beyond, allowing peers to nominate colleagues for their exceptional effort, growth and embodiment of Aims values. 

Employee Well-Being

This award celebrates organizations that put employees' health and wellness at the center of workplace culture. Aims offers a wide range of wellness initiatives, from fitness programs and health screenings to workshops and ergonomic support, designed to promote active, healthy lifestyles. Employees also have access to robust mental health resources from leading providers, as well as counseling and support services for their families. Aims offers wellness educational programs focusing on planning and stability. 

Professional Development

This award celebrates organizations that focus on developing employees' careers and enable them to grow professionally. Through its Employee Learning & Development office, Aims provides accessible, inclusive training and growth opportunities for all employees, regardless of role or career stage. Funding opportunities support external training, certifications, and conferences, while initiatives like the Faculty Teaching & Learning Center further enhance teaching excellence and collaboration. Together, these efforts demonstrate Aims’ investment in empowering employees to grow, lead and excel.

Purpose & Values

This award celebrates organizations that have embedded their mission and values into their culture and are efficient in bringing them to life. With a strong focus on inclusion, access and student success, Aims creates an environment where every learner is supported in achieving their academic and career goals. Its mission, vision and values guide everything from equitable outreach and community partnerships to high-quality, learning-centered programs. By prioritizing authenticity, collaboration, inclusiveness and continuous improvement, Aims fosters a culture where students and employees alike are empowered to succeed and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant community.

Work-Life Flexibility

This award celebrates organizations that offer their employees options for how and where they work, as well as managers who care about their employees' concerns. One of the perks of being a full-time Aims employee is a four-day, 36-hour workweek in the summer.  The college also provides employees with 17 paid holidays, 12 sick days and 15 annual leave days per year. 

Work at Aims

“If you’re looking for a place where your work matters, where you can grow professionally and where you can be part of something bigger than yourself, I encourage you to explore a career at Aims,” Bornstein said. “We’re building something meaningful and we’re always looking for people who want to make a difference.”

Visit aims.edu for more information about the college and find opportunities to join the Aims team at aims.edu/careers.