Barbara Benedict

The session commenced with welcoming remarks from Robert Templin Jr., President of Northern Virginia Community College and Chair of the Achieving the Dream Board of Directors. The event, identified as the signature annual gathering for the national reform network of community colleges focused on improving student outcomes, shattered previous attendance records with over 1,600 professionals present. Key acknowledgments included welcoming the 'Dream Team' of 22 community college students involved in social media coverage, thanking the Achieving the Dream staff for orchestrating the meeting, and recognizing the contributions of the Board, investors, and sponsors. A specific thanks was extended to Pearson Learning Solutions for sponsoring media and technology initiatives, including the building of the network's Knowledge Center. Distinguished international guests were welcomed, including 16 leaders from South Africa following their own national conference on access and success, and representatives from the Community College of Guam and Northern Mariana's College. Rip Rapson, President and CEO of the Kresge Foundation, detailed Kresge's support for Achieving the Dream, including underwriting college participation, investing in the national office, and supporting the New College Leadership Project aimed at preparing future community college presidents. Rapson also introduced the recipients of the Leah Meyer Austin Award, recognizing the Community College of Baltimore County for its success in improving developmental education rates, specifically through an accelerated learning program allowing concurrent enrollment in developmental writing and English 101.

This document is a transcript of the 'DREAM 2014 Tuesday Spotlight' event, which focused on the 'PRESSing for Completion' initiative. The discussion centered on strategies for enhancing student success through broad faculty and staff engagement across community colleges that received 'Achieving the Dream completion grants.' Key themes included addressing challenges in fostering college-wide collaboration, defining engagement, and implementing effective strategies. Participants shared insights on overcoming barriers and promoting cross-campus teamwork, highlighting the importance of administrative support, inclusive participation from all staff and faculty, and clear communication to improve student outcomes.

This document outlines the strategic efforts to achieve the U.S. President's 2020 goal of increasing higher education attainment. It emphasizes the pivotal role of community colleges in educating a diverse student body, particularly adults, and addresses the need for higher education affordability. Key strategies include leveraging the 'Achieving the Dream' model, which focuses on strong leadership, data-driven decision-making, and measurable student outcomes. The plan also highlights federal policy initiatives aimed at supporting completion and ensuring broader access and success in post-secondary education, ultimately fostering a more prosperous nation and empowered citizenry.

This document outlines 'The Arkansas System Level Strategy for Student Success,' a collaborative initiative across 22 community colleges to enhance student outcomes. Key areas of focus include improving six-year graduation rates and associate degree production through redesigned developmental education programs, proactive advising, and institutional research solutions. The strategy also addresses support for low-income students via 'Career Pathways' and 'Centers for Working Families' programs, emphasizing a culture of data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement. The goal is to provide leadership and resources to all colleges, fostering an environment where every student is engaged, educated, and empowered to succeed.

The webinar from Achieving the Dream outlines the annual reflection process for colleges within its network. This process guides institutions in reviewing activities from May 2013 to April 2014 and setting goals and plans for the 2014-2015 academic year. Key components include completing an online principles assessment survey, submitting an annual reflection narrative (detailing student experience, progress, and future plans), updating an intervention showcase, and an optional Leader College application or recertification, all designed to foster continuous improvement in student success.