The open door is not enough. If students stay in college for at least one year, the rest of their lives will change. Studies show a compelling “tipping point” – one year of college, along with a job or career credential – will result in significantly higher lifetime earnings and greater likelihood of achieving life success. Yet, many students who enter community college – especially students of color, first-generation and low-income students – never reach this threshold.

Innovative programs have been developed at each of the Seattle Community Colleges to assure student retention and include a range of proven strategies to help more students stay in college and earn certificates and degrees. These include-

Increasing assistance with “barrier” courses, especially math and English
Offering peer assistance and mentoring to new students
Building strong student cohorts and engaging students in group learning
Providing free access to tutoring centers
Creating customized programs for students of color
Offering new student orientations that address stress, time-management and effective study-skills
Using technology to track academic progress so that intensive advising can be offered when needed
Making emergency loans and grants available

A crucial part of the Power & Promise campaign is helping students achieve this important step by supporting and expanding programs that are essential to help them succeed, stay in college and to experience education as a life-changing gift.

Spotlight
on Retention

Achieving the Dream is a nation-wide initiative dedicated to increasing the success of community college students
...Read More

In 2008, South Seattle Community College received A $2.4 million federal grant designed to improve the retention, transfer and graduation rates of underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander students ...Read More

advancement@sccd.ctc.edu