American Talent Initiative

During #TransferStudentWeek, we’re excited to highlight a fantastic new resource from the University of California! UC, an #ATIMember institution, recently launched an online transfer hub designed to simplify the transfer process for California Community College students. 📊 With nearly a third of UC bachelor’s degree recipients starting their journey at a community college, this hub is a game-changer for students aiming to transfer to one of UC’s nine undergraduate campuses. 💻 The hub offers all the tools and info you need in one place—course planning, financial aid resources, and more! Learn more about how UC is breaking down barriers and supporting transfer student success. https://lnkd.in/edeiu4cD #NationalTransferStudentWeek #HigherEd #TransferSuccess #CommunityCollege #CollegeAccess

🎓 Celebrating Progress and Impact: #ATIMember Schools Leading the Way The work of expanding access and success for low-income students has never been more critical, and three of the four universities highlighted in this recent article— Rutgers University, University of California, Riverside, and University of California, Merced—are members of the American Talent Initiative (ATI). These schools are not only providing opportunities for students to succeed but are also making significant strides in closing the gap in graduation rates for Pell Grant recipients. At ATI, we believe that expanding access to higher education for lower-income students is essential to a more equitable future. Since 2016, our member institutions have collectively enrolled more than 18,100 additional Pell students, with many making incredible progress toward ambitious enrollment goals. Rutgers, UC Riverside, and UC Merced are shining examples of what’s possible when institutions prioritize both access and success, providing not just financial aid, but also crucial academic support and a sense of belonging. ❤️ Their stories reflect the heart of our mission: to mobilize higher education to be a powerful engine for opportunity and upward mobility. As we continue to accelerate our efforts, the progress of these ATI member schools is a reminder of the impact that thoughtful, deliberate action can have on students’ lives. Together, we can continue to break down barriers and ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive. Read more from the The Hechinger Report: https://lnkd.in/eEwsF5W6 #HigherEd #StudentSuccess #ATI #SocioeconomicDiversity #PellGrant

🎥 In honor of National Student Transfer Week, we continue to share initiatives that improve the student transfer experience. Hear from Jason Moran, Vice President of Enrollment, as he discusses how Juniata College is partnering with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (PHCC) to create seamless transfer pathways for Pell-eligible and lower-income students from its 13-county region. This initiative addresses barriers such as financial anxieties and limited resources that community college transfer students often face. The project provides robust academic and advising support both before and after transfer. With proactive guidance from a Juniata transfer specialist during students’ time at PHCC, and additional advising and peer mentorship through the newly established Aspire Center at Juniata, this model ensures a smooth transition, empowering students to thrive. This initiative, funded in partnership with Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, Ithaka S+R, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, strengthens Juniata’s commitment to fostering community and expanding access to education for underserved students. #NationalTransferWeek #TransferSuccess #HigherEd #StudentSuccess #PellEligible #CommunityColleges #ATIMember #PathwayToSuccess

🎥 Today kicks off National Student Transfer Week, and we’re excited to highlight University of California, Santa Cruz's innovative project funded by the new ATI Grant. In this video, Chancellor Cynthia Larive shares how UCSC is working with Hartnell College to enhance transfer support systems for low-income students in the Monterey Bay region. In collaboration with Hartnell College, UCSC is enhancing transfer student support systems to create clear, achievable pathways for low-income students in the Monterey Bay region. This initiative aims to more than double the number of Hartnell students transferring to UCSC over the next five years by providing: 🔹 Targeted advising and peer mentoring 🔹 Clear curricular maps 🔹 Paid internships for career readiness 🔹 Holistic support before, during, and after transfer Over the next five years, the initiative aims to double the number of Hartnell students transferring to UCSC and boost two-year graduation rates. By building strong partnerships and support systems, UCSC and Hartnell College are creating opportunities for students to earn high-value degrees and access living-wage careers, driving economic mobility in the region. 🌱 This project, delivered in partnership with Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, Ithaka S+R, and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, is a game-changer for students in the region and sets a model for strengthening transfer systems nationwide. #TransferSuccess #HigherEd #TransferStudentWeek #PellEligible #PathwaysToSuccess #ATIMember #EconomicMobility

📊 Far too many high-achieving, low- and moderate-income community college students, especially in central Pennsylvania, miss the opportunity to transfer to four-year institutions despite their potential. Research shows that over 50,000 students across the U.S. face this challenge, with only 33% transferring and just 16% earning a bachelor’s degree. Lebanon Valley College President James MacLaren shares details about their new initiative aimed at changing these statistics. 🎓 In partnership with Harrisburg Area Community College-Gettysburg Campus, LVC is developing a 5️⃣ pathway infrastructure that offers early admission and holistic support for low- and moderate-income students. This initiative provides clear pathways and individualized guidance, helping more students transfer, earn degrees, and drive a positive impact in the region. Notably, LVC will cover the full financial need for Pell-eligible students, ensuring that from the moment they start, they’re set up for success. Early admission and structured degree pathways will allow students to begin at LVC with full junior status, streamlining their journey to a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about the 16 innovative projects funded by the new ATI Grant, delivered in partnership with the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, Ithaka S+R, and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. #TransferSuccess #HigherEd #CommunityCollege #PellEligible #StudentSuccess #ATIMember #PathwayToSuccess #TransferPathways

📽️ Hear from Dawn Medley Ed.D, Senior VP of Enrollment Management at Drexel University, as she shares exciting details about Drexel’s new Direct Admission Transfer Pathway with the Community College of Philadelphia, supported by the new ATI Grant! 🎓✨ This initiative is designed to break down barriers and create a seamless transition for low-income students from CCP to Drexel. With mapped credit transfers, academic and financial support, and access to Drexel’s renowned co-op program, this pathway opens new doors for financially disadvantaged students in Philadelphia. This new ATI Grant is delivered in partnership by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R, and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies! Learn more about the 16 projects funded under the new ATI Grant https://lnkd.in/e7XYCTEG #HigherEd #TransferSuccess #PellEligible #ATIMember #StudentSuccess

🚀 Shoutout to George Mason University, one of our outstanding #ATIMembers, for their leadership in advancing transfer success! On Tuesday, our own Tania LaViolet, a transfer pathways expert, delivered the keynote at the ADVANCE Nova-Mason Academic Summit. The NOVA-Mason ADVANCE Program is a stellar example of collaboration, breaking down barriers to streamline admissions and support student transfers. With over 5,000 students benefiting so far, the impact is clear: ADVANCE students are graduating faster and more efficiently, taking 1.5 fewer semesters to complete their degrees post-transfer. This is a model to watch and replicate—strategic partnerships like this make all the difference in expanding access and success for students across the country. #TransferSuccess #HigherEd #StudentSuccess #ADVANCEProgram #TransferPathways #GeorgeMason #CommunityColleges #ATI

First in person #EnrollmentManagement retreat in a few years and it couldn’t have been better. So much to be proud of right now in our work. THREE QUICK HIGHLIGHTS: 1. Educating 13,500 more students than 5 years ago. 2. Launched access focused and mission aligned initiatives like STARS (Small Town and Rural Students College Network, https://lnkd.in/ed9NcYAm and Atlanta Transfer Bridge program https://lnkd.in/eNvABavC through the American Talent Initiative 3. Recruited and enrolled record setting numbers of Tech Promise students https://lnkd.in/gZ9JYBRq (Georgians from families earning $55k or less annually) who will soon add to the over 1100 students that we've graduated debt free. Beyond celebrating the collaboration and accomplishments, as well as looking critically at challenges and opportunities, we had phenomenal speakers. Big thanks to Dr. Gerome Stephens and Dr. Beth Cabrera!  Gerome led our team through CliftonStrengths- ways to better know yourself, collaborate with others, and maximize team impact. Dr. Cabrera helped us conclude the day with the research, science, and practical tips of well-being, including the critical importance of sleep, diet, movement, engagement. If you are planning a retreat or team building day at GT or elsewhere, I cannot recommend these two enough!! H/T to Cynthia Jennings, Ed.D. and Dr. Paul Kohn for their planning and leadership in making this day- and our division- both a joy and a success!

🎥 Check out Towson University President Mark R. Ginsberg sharing details about Tigers Connect, TU’s new initiative to support Baltimore City students, made possible through the new ATI Grant, delivered in partnership by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R, and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies! 🐯📚 With nearly two-thirds of TU undergrads from Baltimore City receiving Pell Grants, the Tigers Connect summer residency program will provide academic prep, a math boot camp, and mentorship from current students—all aimed at building confidence and college readiness. Plus, Pell-eligible students will get to join a first-year residential learning community at no cost for room and board! Learn more about the 16 projects funded under the new ATI Grant https://lnkd.in/e7XYCTEG #HigherEd #CollegeSuccess #PellGrants #ATIMembers #StudentSuccess

Students from lower-income backgrounds are underrepresented in STEM fields and often face greater challenges when enrolled. While community colleges serve as a valuable pathway to STEM bachelor’s degrees, Stevens Institute of Technology has not yet formalized a clear process for enrolling community college students. Through this new ATI Grant the Stevens Institute of Technology is launching the Stevens Transfer Student Success Initiative (STSSI). The STSSI aims to enhance transfer enrollment and support lower-income students by developing partnerships with select New Jersey community colleges, providing robust advising from enrollment through graduation, offering academic and social support for transfer students, and expanding scholarship opportunities. This new ATI grant is provided in partnership with the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.