Walmart PRESS for Completion Grant Program
The Challenge
Nationwide, while great strides have been made at community colleges for student success, the proportion of faculty (including adjunct faculty) and student services personnel deeply engaged in the work is modest compared to the total number of faculty and staff at the colleges. Further, the reform work has not yet eliminated the disconnections between academic departments and student services that limit vital collaboration.
The Solution
Achieving the Dream Leader Colleges, known for their commitment to student-centered evidence-based reforms and outstanding increases in student outcomes, were deemed a most ideal network of colleges for testing and expanding innovative faculty and staff engagement strategies. Through a competitive grant program funded by the Walmart Foundation and administered by Achieving the Dream, 15 of 50 eligible Achieving the Dream Leader Colleges were selected in June 2012 to participate in the Walmart PRESS (Persistence, Retention and Student Success) for Completion grant program. The grant includes a 27-month process during which the selected colleges will receive technical assistance and support from Achieving the Dream. In addition, each selected college has agreed to serve as a peer coach and be active in the learning community among the other 175+ colleges in the larger Achieving the Dream National Reform Network. Ultimately, at least 100,000 students stand to benefit directly, and 3.75 million indirectly, from this grant program.
Grant Recipients
- Aiken Technical College (Aiken, SC)
- Alamo Colleges (San Antonio, TX)
- Brazosport College (Lake Jackson, TX)
- Community College of Beaver County (Monaca, PA)
- Cuyahoga Community College (Cleveland, OH)
- Durham Technical Community College (Durham, NC)
- Guilford Technical Community College (Jamestown, NC)
- Northampton Community College (Bethlehem, PA)
- Northern Essex Community College (Haverhill, MA)
- Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (Orangeburg, SC)
- Pulaski Technical College (North Little Rock, AR)
- Roxbury Community College (Boston, MA)
- Tallahassee Community College (Tallahassee, FL)
- Valencia College (Orlando, FL)
- Yakima Valley Community College (Yakima, WA)
*Read the news release announcing the grant recipients
*Read the media coverage of the Walmart PRESS for Completion grant recipients
Background on Selection Process
(*Finalized June 2012)
PRESS For Completion Grant Program RFP
PRESS For Completion Grant Program RFP-Appendix A
PRESS For Completion Grant Program RFP-Appendix B (Budget)
PRESS For Completion Grant Program RFP–Appendix C
Presentation on Walmart PRESS for Completion Grant Program and RFP process
(Watch the full recording of the April 5, 2012 Leader College Conference Call)
*Read the news release announcing this partnership.
Questions
Questions regarding the Walmart PRESS for Completion grant program can be directed to PRESS@achievingthedream.org.
