Overview
Sustain TCU Capacity 2026, funded by Ascendium Education Group, builds on Achieving the Dream’s work to support TCUs during the Project Success initiative through a six-month continuation period from July through December 2026. Reflecting the value of the longstanding partnership between ATD and TCUs and building on the trust developed through years of collaboration, the initiative provides participating colleges with virtual coaching, continued access to ATD Network benefits, and participation in ATD’s Data & Analytics Summit.
Through individualized coaching and professional learning opportunities, TCUs will strengthen strategies and practices that support student success, including the use of data to inform decision-making, alignment of student success initiatives with institutional priorities, holistic student supports, and teaching and learning. The initiative also continues ATD’s coordination with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and the American Indian College Fund to align support for TCUs and reduce duplication of efforts.
Why It Matters
TCUs play a vital role in serving their students and communities, and sustained support can help institutions build on the progress they have already made in strengthening student success. ATD’s coaching has consistently been identified as one of the most valuable elements of support for participating TCUs, helping colleges strengthen strategy and planning, data use and technology, and policies and practices that support students.
Continued access to coaching, peer learning, and professional development helps TCUs maintain institutional momentum and deepen the use of data and student-centered strategies. ATD’s Data & Analytics Summit also provides opportunities for professional learning, connection, and visibility within the broader higher education field, while coordination with national TCU partners helps ensure that institutions receive aligned and complementary support.
Goals and Outcomes
Through this initiative participating institutions will:
- Strengthen institutional strategy and planning by aligning student success initiatives with institutional priorities and goals.
- Build data capacity by increasing the use of data to inform decision-making and institutional improvement.
- Advance student-centered practices through strategies such as holistic student supports and improvements in teaching and learning.
- Strengthen institutional leadership and capacity through individualized coaching and professional learning opportunities.
- Connect with the broader higher education field through participation in ATD’s Data & Analytics Summit and other Network learning opportunities.
- Sustain institutional momentum by building on progress made through previous ATD support and strengthening practices that advance student success.