College Greenlight, a part of EAB’s Post

After a busy summer and the beginning of the school year, I'm excited to share some of the amazing work we’ve been doing at Cal-SOAP, along with some personal projects. As I transitioned into my role as the Imperial Valley Cal-SOAP Academic Coordinator late in the spring, I was thrilled to bring the 'Summer Melt' program to the Imperial Valley—a first for our community! We reached out to over 2,000 students (Class of 2024) countywide, providing direct support to 119 students who faced challenges with financial aid, housing, orientation, and community college applications. About 69% expressed intentions to enroll in local community colleges, but we also found that 14% were planning to attend a four-year institution. However, many of these students were still struggling or confused about their next steps. We provided vital career exploration for students without a clear plan or those considering paths outside of college, including various trades and law enforcement. At the same time, we identified a significant issue at community colleges: many students enrolled in the wrong classes or lacked an academic plan, which can lead to potential delays in transferring or dropping out. Alarmingly, only 1 in 5 students in California community colleges transfer to a four-year institution. This is particularly concerning since more than two-thirds of our graduating class will go to community college. To address this, we aimed to empower students by helping them create personalized two-year plans that align with their degree goals or transfer requirements. Programs like this are essential for providing equitable support, especially for first-generation students who often lack guidance in their post-secondary plans. This summer program was particularly important, as it allowed us to assist students with their diverse career and educational plans during a challenging FAFSA cycle for the class of 2024. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my program director, Linda Doughty, for approving the Summer Melt program in the Imperial Valley and for facilitating the support of team members from the San Diego team. Your support made this initiative possible! Together, we can ensure every student in our community has the support they need to thrive. I invite you to share your thoughts or experiences in supporting students on their educational journeys. Here’s to fostering a brighter future for all! 💪🎓 #SummerMelt #HigherEducation #CommunitySupport #FirstGen #Empowerment #CalSOAP #ImperialValley

📣 Calling student affairs professionals, teaching professionals, and those looking to explore post-secondary education as a career! Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? Are you ready to gain a foundational understanding of post-secondary campus environments and explore the vital role of professionals who serve students? Join me at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, through OISE Continuing & Professional Learning for our upcoming course, An Introduction to Contemporary Post-Secondary Education Environments! 🏫📚 As someone who has dedicated their career to supporting students and enhancing their campus experiences, I can confidently say this six-week, 100% online course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to effectively support students and gain an understanding of the landscape of post-secondary education campuses. Through inquiry, experiential, and collaborative learning practices, we dive deep into the components of an effective campus that promotes personal and professional well-being and success for students, staff, and faculty. Through this course, you will: 🔹 Develop a campus profile identifying core operational functions, student needs, strategic mandates, and priority initiatives. 🔹 Understand the roles and impacts of campus community professionals within the post-secondary ecosystem. 🔹 Analyze the needs of students, non-academic staff, faculty, and identify necessary supports for all. 🔹 Propose a plan to advance a student-centered initiative at your institution. Making a difference starts with understanding the environment and the people within it. Together, we'll identify the needs of both students and staff, and learn how to support their development in meaningful ways. This course is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their skills and contribute to a thriving campus community. Hear from a past student, Sasha Coleman, directly about her experience: https://lnkd.in/geiaTSn5 Learn more and register today: https://lnkd.in/gG9ysGhS

Another school year!   Today, the best of education will be on full display through the deep care of students, expanded access to advanced courses, and acceptance and celebration of differences.   ~Let's ensure each child feels valued, supported, and understood. Our genuine care can be the foundation for their success. ~Let's break down barriers and open doors to opportunity. We must actively seek out and encourage students from all backgrounds to participate in challenging academic programs. ~Let’s create classroom communities that reflect the beautiful tapestry of our communities. By valuing differences, we enrich the learning experience for everyone and prepare students for a global world. ~Let's hold our students accountable for treating their peers with respect and compassion. Teaching kindness and understanding is as crucial as academic subjects.   Today, we continue to create a generation of learners who are academically proficient, emotionally intelligent, and socially responsible. This year, let's go beyond teaching subjects – let's teach humanity. Let's nurture curiosity, cultivate empathy, and inspire excellence in every student, regardless of their background or circumstances. Make this school year transformative!

Can voluntary summer learning programs improve outcomes for low-income, urban youth? According to a The Wallace Foundation report, the answer is a resounding yes, both in the short and long term. Based on evaluations from five urban school districts, the report offers critical insights for district leaders. Key recommendations include: • Early Planning: Start in the fall and plan by January for smoother operations. • Focused Academics: Implement a 5-6 week program with 3-4 hours of academics daily to boost standardized test scores. • Engagement: Ensure high attendance and provide enriching activities like arts, sports, and science. • Cost Management: Partner with community organizations and consolidate sites to reduce costs. For detailed guidance and actionable strategies, explore the full Wallace Foundation report and see how you can enhance your summer learning programs. https://lnkd.in/gDrJgbvD #SummerLearning #Education #UrbanYouth #AcademicSuccess #WallaceFoundation

Exciting news! After months of planning and organizing, the inaugural Los Angeles Regional Consortium (LARC) Faculty Equity Learning Community (FELC) officially kicked off with its first workshop on September 27, 2024! 🎉 We brought together 50 passionate faculty members from Los Angeles County's community colleges to dive deep into important conversations on equity—defining what it means for professors individually and collectively, and exploring how to be more equity-minded in educational work. 🌱 Some of the key topics that were tackled: - The role of self-awareness in understanding how our identities show up in diverse spaces. - The significance of positionality, power, cultural competence, and cultural humility in education. - How not just educators but also institutions hold a responsibility to create truly equitable learning environments for ALL students. 📚 This first workshop was all about getting on the same page, sharing personal stories and reflections, and aligning on a shared vision for improving student success and closing equity gaps for the brightest mind of the future. What's especially inspiring is that this project is facilitated by professors, for professors—with educators from across #LACounty and 4 incredible FELC leaders and facilitators from Santa Ana College in #OrangeCounty! This is the sort of multiregional collaboration that addresses and solves longstanding systemic challenges impacting our Californian student population--it's also exciting to boot! 🤝 The energy during the virtual workshop was palpable, and I can't wait to see the lasting impact of this community college work. We're just getting started, and the best is yet to come! 🚀 #EquityInAction #FacultyCollaboration #StudentSuccess #HigherEdEquity #CollectiveImpact #EducationInnovation #CommunityColleges

Collaboration is often touted in higher education as a critical driver of success. Nowhere is this more evident than in community college student recruitment. When colleges, universities, and community organizations join forces, they create a powerful synergy that benefits students, institutions, and the broader community. One of the primary benefits of collaboration in student recruitment at CUNY Hostos Community College is the pooling of resources. By working together, we share expertise and leverage networks that may not be available individually. This allows for more comprehensive and targeted recruitment efforts, reaching a wider audience of potential students. Moreover, collaboration fosters innovation. When different stakeholders come together, they bring fresh perspectives and ideas. This can lead to developing creative recruitment strategies tailored to meet prospective students' needs and interests. Collaboration breeds innovation and continuously improves recruitment practices. Ultimately, the value of student recruitment extends far beyond enrollment numbers. It strengthens institutional partnerships, fosters innovation, and promotes diversity and inclusion. In an increasingly competitive landscape, collaboration is not just advantageous – it's essential. Pictured: Samuel Byrd (Continuing Education) Marsha Milan-Bethel; (Admissions and Recruitment); Toya Pigford-Konate, Gloria Rodriguez (Financial Aid), and Fabián Wander, LCSW-SIFI (Counseling / Student Wellness) at the Bronx Higher Education Fair.

Beyond college acceptances, future success can be measured by a journey of confidence, community, and personal growth. Read about The John Crosland School's unique approach to success in this week's blog. 🎓✨ #BeyondCollege #Confidence #Community https://lnkd.in/eegATCxS

Four ways to connect students and trustees

Discovering a school's mission and vision involves understanding its core values and long-term goals. It often requires examining its commitment to education, its guiding principles, and its envisioned future, all aimed at shaping the institution's purpose and direction. How do you find your Mission and Vision? https://lnkd.in/g7KpWXYH

From February 18th to 22nd2024, I attended the 20th Anniversary of Achieving  the Dream in Orlando Florida to represent Antelope Valley College. I learnt the following:  Becoming an Adaptive Learning Organization to Advance Student Success. Equitable Pathways to Success. Expanding Access to Opportunity for Historically Disconnected Adult Population. Strategic Planning for Access, Momentum and Mobility. City College of Chicago: Truman and Daley Kickoff Institute. Postsecondary Teaching with Technology Collaborative. AI, Digital Tools, and the future of Higher Education: Ramifications for Policy and Practice.  Advising Redesign: High Impact Practice that Support Student Academic and Personal Needs. Assessing Program Health and Relevancy. Building Better Bridges: Assessing Your Colleges Portfolio of K-12 Partnerships. Seeking to understand: Finding Common Ground. Racial Equity: By invitation only. Rural Resiliency Cohort/ Rural College Leadership Program. Exploring the Essential Role of Humanities: Connecting Minds and Cultures. Community Vibrancy Presidents Convening. Racial Equity in Action: From Awareness to Implementation. Utilizing a Retention Module to increase Student Success at a Tribal College. The Power of Presence: Advancing Equitable Outcomes through Community-Centered Advising. Unlocking opportunity: Engaging Adults in Programs that Lead to Good Jobs and Economic Mobility.