Achieving the Dream is a comprehensive non-governmental reform movement for student success. Together with a network of higher education institutions, coaches and advisors, state policy teams, investors and partners, Achieving the Dream helps more than four million community college students have a better economic opportunity and achieve their dreams.
Achieving the Dream believes that access to a high quality education in an inclusive environment is the right of all individuals and imperative for the continued advancement of a strong democracy and workforce. The growing network of community colleges across the country improves student success. Achieving the Dream is a catalyst for providing ways for colleges to strengthen and build their capacity to ensure that more students complete their college education and have more opportunity for economic success.
The goals of Achieving the Dream are to help more students earn degrees, complete certificates, or transfer to other institutions. Too many students leave community colleges without earning a certificate or degree, or without transferring to continue their studies. Consequently, they risk losing the opportunity to earn a livable wage. When students complete courses and earn credentials; however, they can improve their own lives, which ultimately benefits the nation.
Americans value opportunity. Community colleges provide it. They enroll almost half of all undergraduates in the country, providing the education that leads to greater economic opportunity and improved quality of life.
Resources
Reports and Data
National Reports
Guided Pathways
- Implementing Guided Pathways-AACC
- Redesigning Community Colleges for Student Success
- Building Guided Pathways Toolkit
- Transfer Playbook: Essential Practices
- Get With the Program and Finish It
- Launching OER Degree Pathways
Community College Survey of Student Engagement
- A Matter of Degrees: High Impact Practices for Community College
- Student Engagement - CCSSE
- A Matter of Degrees: Pathways to Practices - CCSSE
- Aspirations to Achievement: Men of Color and Community Colleges - CCSSE
State Reports
One Goal-Success for All Measures
Achieving the DREAM Documents
Local Reports
- 2007-2008 Student Success
- 2008-2009 Student Success
- 2009-2010 Student Success
- 2010-2011 Student Success
- 2011-2012 Student Success
- 2012-2013 Student Success
- 2013-2014 Student Success
- 2014-2015 Student Success
- 2015-2016 Student Success
- 2016-2017 Student Success
Leopard Dreams – Newsletter – pdf format
- Leopard Dreams Volume 9 Issue 2
- Leopard Dreams Volume 9 Issue 1
- Leopard Dreams Volume 8 Issue 2
- Leopard Dreams Volume 8 Issue 1
- Leopard Dreams Volume 7 Issue 6
- Leopard Dreams Volume 7
- Leopard Dreams Volume 6
- Leopard Dreams Volume 5
- Leopard Dreams Volume 4
Goals & Initiatives
- 2014 Annual Reflection
- 2014 Principles Assessment Survey Results
- Feedback Report 2014
- 2013 Annual Reflection
- 2013 Principles Assessment Survey Results
- Feedback Report 2013
- 2012 Annual Report
- 2011 Annual Report
- 2009-2010 Temple College Work Plan
Achieving the Dream Contacts and Sponsors
Achieving the Dream Contacts
Dr. Charlotte Biggerstaff
Achieving the Dream Consultant
Dr. Linda S. Hagedorn
Achieving the Dream Data Facilitator
Achieving the Dream Sponsors
Funded by:
Lumina Foundation for Education
KnowledgeWorks Foundation
Nellie Mae Education Foundation
Managed by:
MDC, Inc
Other national partners:
American Association of Community Colleges
Community College Leadership Program, the University of Texas-Austin
Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University
Jobs for the Future
MDRC
Public Agenda