ECC joins Achieving the Dream Network to Advance Student Success

East Central College has joined Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national leading higher education reform network of more than 300 community colleges across the country.

As one of eight institutions joining the organization as part of its 2024 cohort, ECC will enter ATD’s Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program. College leaders will collaborate with ATD’s expert coaches to develop essential capacities for student success. These capacities will focus on equity, data analysis, teaching and learning, leadership, community partnerships, student support, and more.

“Joining the Achieving the Dream marks a pivotal moment for ECC’s commitment to student success. We aim to provide students with strengthened individualized attention they deserve,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC President.

“Additionally, ECC’s partnership with Achieving the Dream will empower us to address the unique challenges faced by our low-income and rural student populations; ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

ECC, along with fellow cohort colleges and six other institutions new to the ATD Network, will convene at ATD’s Kickoff Institute, an annual event to welcome incoming Network colleges, which will be held this year from June 12-14 in New Orleans.

During the Kickoff Institute, colleges will establish partnerships with ATD and become acquainted with the organization’s Institutional Capacity Framework. This framework offers a comprehensive assessment designed to cultivate a student-centered culture and enhance student success.

ECC secured the funding to join ATD through a federal Title III grant, awarded through the Strengthening Institutions Program administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

ATD is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more.

ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable, antiracist, and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream website: www.achievingthedream.org.