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A middle-sized group of university-aged students, both male and female, are sitting outside on the campus grounds and relaxing before class. They are dressed in casual but stylish clothing while smiling.

College is a Catalyst for the Community

We believe community colleges are catalysts for more equitable, economically vibrant communities. At Achieving the Dream, we work with leaders to transform colleges to ensure all students can access learning that propels them into rewarding careers.

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.

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Whole College Transformation

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.

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Innovation & Advocacy

We 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.

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Network

By 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.

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Insights

While 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.

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A 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.

 

Achieving the Dream: Transforming Colleges and Communities

FY 2023 Annual Report

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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.

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Areas 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.

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Impact

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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