CONNECTICUT State Community colleges merge

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Mark Ojakian today announced that eight of Connecticut’s community colleges have joined the 2019 cohort of the Achieving the Dream (ATD) National Network, which consists of more than 220 colleges in 43 states dedicated to improving student success. The colleges will work collaboratively to implement, align and scale cutting edge reforms, work with ATD coaches to build institutional capacity, and connect with peers to foster learning and share information. Four of Connecticut’s community colleges were already part of the ATD, bringing all 12 community colleges into the network.

“Improving student success continues to be our number one goal,” President Ojakian said. “Through Achieving the Dream, our community colleges will gain invaluable access to proven, data-driven best practices, which will in turn ensure that our students receive not only the best possible education, but also the supports necessary to succeed. As we move toward a more sustainable governance structure, having our entire community college structure in the ATD network will be invaluable.”

“The strength of local and regional economies, our ability to rebuild the middle class, and the possibility that a new generation will achieve their goals depends on community colleges,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “Colleges that join the ATD Network show an exceptional commitment to becoming the kind of institution that will lead the nation into the future.”