Washtenaw Comm College joins national study on graduation rates

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

Washtenaw Community College is joining a national study to help raise college success rates for both poor and minority students.

The institution of higher learning joins 130 other community colleges taking part in the Achieving the Dream initiative. The national study is examining ways to improve completion rates for students, such as finishing classes, certifications and even degrees.

"Washtenaw Community College has always done well with increasing its completion rates," says Pat Taylor, dean of support services and student advocacy at Washtenaw Community College. "We still think we can do better."

The two-year time period will focus on data collection, conduct program evaluations and share best practices. The idea is to help transform brawn-based economies like those in Michigan into knowledge-based ones by increasing the number of people, especially those most at risk, with some form of college education.

Nine other community colleges in Michigan will participate in the Achieving the Dream initiative, including Delta College, Glen Oaks, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Montcalm, Mott, Muskegon, Oakland and St. Clair Community Colleges.

Source: Pat Taylor, dean of support services and student advocacy at Washtenaw Community College
Writer: Jon Zemke