Championing Colleges Across the Country
Achieving the Dream is a partner and champion of hard working leaders at more than 300 community colleges across the country. The community colleges we work with are distinct: They choose transformation over tradition, curiosity over inaction, innovation over status quo. Drawing on our expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, we build customized growth plans to address the unique challenges each institution faces. We provide institutional leaders, faculty, and staff with actionable solutions grounded in years of experience and the knowledge of what it’s like to be in their shoes.
We provide institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K-12 partnerships, and more. Whole College Transformation consists of two core programs: Foundations of Transformation and Accelerating Transformation.
Get StartedWe move the field forward by exploring new solutions, advocating for policies and practices within our network and with policymakers, developing leaders in the field, and cultivating partnerships with others.
Learn MoreBy working with Achieving the Dream, colleges benefit from the collective learning of the national ATD 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.
See More BenefitsWhile each institution is unique, it’s critical to learn from each other’s challenges and successes. Our applicable, field-tested resources can help augment your transformation path to success.
Start HereA Proven History in Student Success
Achieving the Dream was founded to close achievement gaps and accelerate student success nationwide by guiding institutional change, influencing public policy, generating knowledge, and engaging the public. Through our years of work, we have demonstrated that innovative, evidence-based community college programs and interventions can produce and sustain improved student success.
Celebrating over 20 years of work, Achieving the Dream, Inc. leads the most comprehensive non-governmental reform network for community college student success in higher education history.
Our Values
Our vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable, antiracist and economically vibrant communities. We focus on creating opportunities and removing barriers to give students equal access to learning, credentials, and fulfilling careers — so they can build a successful future and create stronger communities.
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Team
Our experts have worked in community colleges across the country and have firsthand knowledge of how to help your institution create solutions that address your unique challenges.
Meet The TeamAreas of Expertise
We provide institutions with holistic, tailored support for every aspect of their work – from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K-12 partnerships, and more.
Learn MoreImpact
Achieving the Dream is trusted by leading community colleges across the country. We’ve helped transform over 300 colleges in 45 states, impacting over 4M students’ lives.
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