Midland College has announced its partnership with Achieving the Dream (ATD), a prominent higher education reform network comprising over 300 community colleges nationwide. The college will participate in ATD's Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program. Midland College is one of eight institutions joining the organization as part of its 2024 cohort.
"Midland College is fully committed to ensuring our students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed," stated Dr. Damon Kennedy, President of Midland College. "Our dedication to student success goes beyond the classroom; it includes holistic support, personalized guidance, and innovative resources tailored to each student's unique needs. By providing accessible, high-quality education, we empower individuals to realize their full potential. In collaboration with our community partners, we play a pivotal role in building the strength of our local economy. We look forward to partnering with Achieving the Dream to identify and eliminate any obstacles that may get in the way of college and career success."
According to a news release from Midland College, ATD’s expert coaches will collaborate with college officials to establish essential capacities for student success. These capacities encompass data analysis, teaching and learning methodologies, leadership development, community partnerships, student support services and equity among many other dynamics. Midland College will convene with its fellow ATD members at the Kickoff Institute—an annual event held on June 14 in New Orleans—to welcome incoming network colleges. This event will allow ATD to introduce Midland College to a comprehensive assessment built on essential capacities that help colleges develop a student-centered culture and enhance student success through what is known as the organization’s Institutional Capacity Framework.
The news release further stated that ATD uses groundbreaking programs, a national peer network and expert coaches to provide community colleges with support tailored specifically for their needs. This aids in backing strategies within the school such as equity-based approaches for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships and foundational capacities such as leadership and data. This comprehensive approach is referred to by the organization as the Whole College Transformation.