Achieving the Dream is a multiyear national initiative to help more community college students succeed. The initiative is particularly concerned about student groups that traditionally have faced significant barriers to success, including students of color and low-income students.

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.

• View a Brief Movie 
  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.
   
• SUCCESS is what counts 
  Achieving the Dream was created to help more community college students succeed - complete courses, earn certificates and earn degrees. The initiative is built on the belief that broad institutional change - informed by student achievement data - is crucial to achieve this result. This report summarizes the Achieving the Dream initiative, particularly detailing how the initiative is designed to meet the needs of community college characteristics and challenges.