Recognizing Institutional Excellence
Every year, Achieving the Dream (ATD) honors colleges whose commitment to equitable outcomes has driven substantive improvements for students and their communities. The institutional designations reflect the dedication and hard work of administrators, faculty, and staff to give students equal access to learning, credentials, and fulfilling careers. ATD uses lessons emerging from the work of these colleges to help inform and inspire others in the ATD Network and the higher education field.
Leader College
ATD Network institutions that are in good standing with ATD and their accreditors and have participated in the ATD Network since 2021 or earlier are eligible to apply for Leader College designation.
Learn MoreLeader College of Distinction
ATD Network institutions that have completed at least one year at Leader College status and are in good standing with ATD and their accreditors may apply to seek a higher designation, Leader College of Distinction.
Learn MoreLeah Meyer Austin Award
The Leah Meyer Austin Award is the highest distinction a college in the Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network can earn. The award annually recognizes an ATD Network institution that has demonstrated outstanding progress in designing a student-focused culture that permeates the whole organization.
Learn MoreDREAM Scholars
The DREAM Student Scholars program is a year-long experiential learning opportunity for community college students to grow as leaders, culminating in a platform at the annual DREAM conference.
Learn MoreHarvey Lincoln Student Scholars
ATD provides annual need-based scholarships to community college students who have persisted in their studies despite educational, personal, or financial obstacles.
Learn MoreExplore the Latest
News & Updates
Join an Upcoming Event
Holistic Student Supports
AI Workshop Series: Enhancing Student Supports
The third workshop in the series will explore how AI can enhance support services by complementing human capabilities, ultimately improving the student experience. Together we will discuss the potential benefits and challenges of using AI in enrollment management, financial aid, advising, and more.
Leadership
DREAM 2025
During this 21st annual convening in Philadelphia, thousands of practitioners from over 300 colleges will exchange evidence-based strategies that drive access, momentum, mobility, and community impact.
Data
Preparing for Collective Impact: Using ATD’s Updated Institutional Capacity Framework to Cultivate Community Vibrancy
Join us for this webinar, which will highlight key changes to ATD’s Institutional Capacity Framework and how the updated ICAT can orient and propel your community vibrancy work.
Keep Exploring
Network
ATD Network colleges benefit from the collecting learning of our national network of institutions and partners – as well as from our extensive years of experience innovating and anticipating future needs and issues in the face of continual change.
Learn MoreStories & Case Studies
While each institution is unique, it’s critical to learn from each other’s challenges and successes. Explore our leader stories and institutional case studies to inspire your whole college transformation.
Read MoreEvents
Join our upcoming webinars, virtual sessions, and events to learn from others who are diligently working to close equity gaps and improve student outcomes.
Join Us