Columbus Technical College
As an Achieving the Dream Institution, Columbus Technical College (CTC) has the primary goal of improving access to and completion of associate degree programs in health sciences while supporting and providing equity to students enrolled in associate degree offerings in the Schools of Business, Professional and Technical Services, and General Studies. CTC hopes to establish, implement, and perfect data-driven tracking and objectives for its various support labs and services. These include, but aren’t limited to, the Academic Advisement Center, CARE Center, Writing, Math, and Science Support Labs.
In addition, Achieving the Dream will help the college:
- Increase the number and proportion of high-need students who persevere and complete college
- Enable more data-based decision making to foster increased enrollment in associate degree programs and ensure student persistence and graduation
- Improve the percentage of minority and under-served students admitted to health sciences and other associate degree programs
The mission of CTC, a public two-year College in Georgia, is to promote regional economic development and a globally competitive workforce by providing a learner-centered, collegiate education and training experience intended for career development and transfer offered both locally and through distance learning. The college is working to be the leading provider of accessible programs of study that enhance the quality of life for its diverse student population.
CTC has an annual enrollment of approximately 6,100 students and currently offers more than 90 programs of study in the health sciences, business, trade/industry, and general studies arenas. The college serves a five-county region in southwest Georgia where nearly 20% of residents live below the poverty level.
Historically, CTC has a large percentage of incoming students who have a difficult time proceeding with their chosen field of study and who are challenged when it comes to performing at the college level. Unfortunately, as a result, postsecondary completion rates are significantly below the national average.
Of the current student population, approximately 55% are minorities and 57% receive Pell grant funding. The overall graduation rate of CTC students for 2011 was roughly 50%.
