Outstanding commitment to student success helps HCC students achieve educational dreams

Sep 21, 2015

With a proven track record of student success, Houston Community College has been recertified as an Achieving the Dream (ATD) Leader College. ATD is a national initiative dedicated to increasing success of community college students. HCC has been part of ATD since 2004 and has been recognized as a Leader College since 2009. Leader colleges demonstrate commitment to making progress on four principles: committed leadership, use of evidence to improve programs and services, broad engagement, and systematic institutional improvement.

“ATD continues to be a reform movement that aligns with our institutional goals,” said Dr. Kimberly Beatty, vice chancellor of Instructional Services & Chief Academic Officer. “ATD provides participating colleges coaching focused on student success, completion and equity. Their approach is systemic and strategic. As we continue to transform HCC, the ATD reform movement provides us with the resources to institutionalize the core principles of student success and completion.”

As a Leader College, HCC participates in the Achieving the Dream Texas Peer Coaching Initiative, which is dedicated to closing the skills gap by spreading effective practices from college to college, thus increasing student retention and completion. HCC is collaborating with other community colleges to enhance student service processes.

“In order for HCC to be a leader in providing high quality, innovative education, we must continue to advance and improve our programs to provide students with skills for success – whether they continue on with their higher education or start their careers after HCC,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor.

HCC is operating under the Center of Excellence model to offer training and education that aligns with industry needs and are a reflection of the Houston economy. The Centers of Excellence include: Business, Construction, Consumer Arts & Sciences, Digital & Information Technology, Engineering, Global Energy & Process Technology, Health Sciences, Logistics, Manufacturing, Material Science, Media Arts & Technology, and Public Safety & Automotive Technology.

For more information about the Centers of Excellence at HCC, visit hccs.edu/coe.