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ACHIEVING THE DREAM

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What is Achieving the Dream (ATD)?

Achieving the Dream, Inc. is a national nonprofit that is dedicated to helping more community college students, particularly low-income students and students of color, stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree. Evidence-based, student-centered, and built on the values of equity and excellence, Achieving the Dream is closing achievement gaps and accelerating student success nationwide by:

  1. Guiding evidence-based institutional improvement
  2. Influencing public policy
  3. Generating knowledge
  4. Engaging the public


Achieving the Dream is a comprehensive non-governmental reform movement for student success. Together with our network of higher ed institutions, coaches and advisors, state policy teams, investors and partners, we are helping more than 4 million community college students have a better economic opportunity and achieve their dreams. Learn more at https://achievingthedream.org/



In this Chronicle of Higher Education interview, Karen Stout, President of Achieving the Dream, lays out the accomplishments, next steps and areas of focus for ATD.

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History

Achieving the Dream elevates community colleges, closes gaps, and empowers students.

In 2004, Achieving the Dream began as a national initiative by Lumina Foundation, aiming to uplift community colleges nationwide. Serving millions of students, it addresses achievement gaps, demonstrating success and evolving into Achieving the Dream, Inc. The largest non-governmental movement in higher education, it empowers students for economic opportunities.

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Values

Achieving the Dream values student success, equity, evidence-based decisions, and excellence.

Achieving the Dream, established in 2004 as a national initiative by Lumina Foundation and leading higher education organizations, evolved into the largest non-governmental movement for student success in U.S. higher education history, transitioning in 2010 to an independent national nonprofit committed to closing achievement gaps, influencing public policy, generating knowledge, and improving outcomes at community colleges, particularly focusing on empowering low-income students and students of color to attain postsecondary credentials.

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Approach

Achieving the Dream closes gaps, accelerates student success through strategic efforts.

Achieving the Dream tackles achievement gaps and propels student success on a national scale through targeted efforts: improving institutional outcomes with coaching and assistance, influencing policy for student-centered reforms, and engaging the public via a robust network of community college reformers. This integrated approach addresses challenges at both ground and system levels, working towards comprehensive educational advancements.