ACC has received a mini-grant from Lumina Foundation to support its REACH Collaborative initiatives (Racial Equity for Adult Credentials in Higher Ed). The REACH Collaborative is focused on creating clear paths for more Black, Hispanic and Native American adult students to grow their skills and advance their careers.
Funding from ACC’s mini-grant will be used for translation services for appointments, phone calls and presentations. ACC has contracted with a live translation service organization to provide real-time dialogue and support for recruiting, and retaining, Hispanic adult learners. ACC is also actively working on a plan to create a true "sense of belonging" space for new ACC adult learner students in collaboration with the Admissions & First Year Experience departments.
Supported by Lumina Foundation, the REACH Collaborative established a goal for a 2% increase in credential attainment for enrolled Black, Hispanic, and Native American adults - ages 25-64 - at participating community colleges by 2023.
REACH’s three main components – Credentials to Degrees Pathways, Bundled and Sequenced Supports, and Culturally Sustaining Practices – are intentionally designed to work together to support adult students of color, addressing their specific needs and experiences.
ACC's REACH Collaborative efforts are co-led by Dr. Danielle Staples and Jennifer Husum.