Prospective Colleges

Apply for selection into the Achieving the Dream Network - the nation's most comprehensive
non-governmental reform network for student success in higher education history!

**View the RFP for the 2013 College Cohort** 
**For more information, contact Assistant Director of Programs Mia Ramos
Download "Benefits" one-pager**

Colleges selected to participate in the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network and follow the Student-Centered Model of Institutional Improvement can expect tangible benefits for their commitment and hard work: 

• Access to special grant opportunities
• Comparisons with similar institutions
• Broad engagement in your student-centered reforms
• Expert coaching
• More effectively leveraged resources
• National platform with policymakers, investors, and the media
• Networking in an elite community of learners
• Potential return on investment (ROI) through increased student retention
• Support for accreditation and fulfillment of state performance standards

Achieving the Dream is based on the premise that to improve student success on a substantial scale, colleges must fundamentally change the way they operate. While no two colleges are alike, all Achieving the Dream Institutions commit to the Model and receive expert coaching and technical assistance as they establish an evidence-based, student-centered culture that is dedicated to closing achievement gaps and increasing student success. 

Testimonials

“Achieving the Dream is one of the nation’s most strategic and disciplined efforts to improve the success rates of students enrolling in America’s community colleges. Given the critical need for our country to dramatically increase the number of Americans earning post-secondary credentials, Achieving the Dream is playing a leadership role in moving the nation’s community colleges in the right direction.” 
Robert Templin, President, Northern Virginia Community College

“Valencia learned how to turn our aspirations into actionable plans. The way Achieving the Dream is led actually enabled deeper collaboration at the college, it refocused our conversations towards very concrete goals in student performance, and helped us to concentrate our resources to achieve these goals. The measureable results have been exceptional.” 
Sanford Shugart, President, Valencia College

“The decision to join Achieving the Dream is easy because the work you do will pay for itself in the long run. As a small rural community college, Achieving the Dream has provided access to a field of experts that we would not have had otherwise. Our participation over the past two years has greatly and positively impacted the college in our developing a culture of evidence-driven decision making and working towards improving retention, graduation rates, and student success.” 
Pam Anglin, President, Paris Junior College

“Participating in Achieving the Dream has helped us to focus on student success and to base our decisions on what the data show rather than how we think we are doing; to build closer relationships with partners (K-12, university, and foundations); and to promote a college-going culture in our community.” 
Richard Rhodes, President (former), El Paso Community College

“If community colleges do not improve our ability to educate students of color and economically disadvantaged students, the United States will become less competitive. The work of Achieving the Dream is not simply important; it is a national imperative.” 
Steven Murray, President, Phillips Community College of The University of Arkansas

Note
Achieving the Dream, Inc. fully recognizes that community colleges are facing some of the hardest economic times in decades. We encourage you to invest in student success and equity now to maximize your return on investment. Longitudinal and institution-based research have found that colleges that adhere to the Achieving the Dream Student-Centered Model of Institutional Improvement are better able to maximize institutional resources and create a campus-wide culture that fosters student success. Many Achieving the Dream Institutions have experienced a return on investment from sharpening and targeting current services and restructuring departments and services to maximize efficiency. Also, keep in mind that significant improvement in student outcomes is not likely to be achieved in three years. Colleges should be prepared to continue their Achieving the Dream work over the long term and to secure sufficient resources to scale and sustain successful innovations. Achieving the Dream encourages colleges to reach out to regional investors and local community foundations for support. Our staff is here to assist you, so if you have any questions about Achieving the Dream, please contact us.