DENVER, November 3, 2026 — Community College of Denver (CCD) has earned national recognition as a recipient of Handshake's 2026 Career Spark Award, honoring the college's Career Connected Learning team for its work connecting students with employers, internships, and meaningful career opportunities.
The award recognizes colleges and universities demonstrating exceptional engagement within Handshake's higher education partner network. In announcing the award, Handshake identified CCD's career team as a leader among its higher education partners.
"Our students invest their time, talent, and resources in an education that can open doors for their future,” said Dr. Bishane Whitmore, president of Community College of Denver. “Helping them connect what they learn with meaningful career opportunities is central to our mission. I am proud of our Career Connected Learning team for the work behind this recognition and the difference they make for our students.”
Over the past year, more than 582 CCD students connected with employers through Handshake, while 280 employers actively posted jobs and internships for CCD students. These connections reflect the college's ongoing efforts to help students explore career pathways, build professional networks and access opportunities beyond the classroom.
“Career preparation is an essential part of helping students turn their education into opportunity,” said Allana Farley, Career Connected Learning director at Community College of Denver. “This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to helping students explore their options, build professional connections, and take meaningful steps toward their career goals.”
To learn more about CCD and its student resources, visit ccd.edu.
About Community College of Denver
Community College of Denver (CCD) is a fully accredited leading Colorado community college. CCD was voted Colorado’s Best Community College in the Denver Metro area by The Colorado Sun readers. CCD is recognized for graduating students with less debt and for its guaranteed transfer agreements with all public Colorado state colleges and universities. The college also leads with innovative on-campus and online certificate and degree programs. CCD offers a no-tuition high school diploma program to help students start on the path they choose. To learn more about CCD and its programs, resources, industry partnerships, and foundation giving, visit ccd.edu.
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