Achieving the Dream

Achieving the Dream Leading America’s largest network of community colleges to be engines of student & community growth

Conceived as an initiative in 2004 by Lumina Foundation and seven founding partner organizations, today, Achieving the Dream is the most comprehensive non-governmental reform movement for student success in higher education history. With over 150 community colleges and institutions, more than 100 coaches and advisors, and 15 state policy teams - working throughout 30 states and the District of Col

umbia - Achieving the Dream helps 3.5 million community college students have a better chance of realizing greater economic opportunity and achieving their dreams.

Throughout Community College Month we’re highlighting voices at our Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction! ...
04/28/2026

Throughout Community College Month we’re highlighting voices at our Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction! Follow along using .

Read more: https://achievingthedream.org/latest/

Through our Teaching That Transforms spotlights, we feature faculty who are creating meaningful learning experiences tha...
04/22/2026

Through our Teaching That Transforms spotlights, we feature faculty who are creating meaningful learning experiences that help students see themselves — and their potential — in the classroom. In this Q&A, Thomas King, professor of communication and theatre and program coordinator for theatre at Southwest Tennessee Community College, shares how his approach to teaching builds connection, encourages ownership of learning, and helps students recognize what they are capable of achieving.

Read more: https://achievingthedream.org/thomas-king-southwest-tn/

Throughout Community College Month we’re highlighting voices at our Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction!...
04/21/2026

Throughout Community College Month we’re highlighting voices at our Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction! Follow along using hashtag

Read more: https://achievingthedream.org/latest/

During Community College Month, Achieving the Dream is spotlighting voices from its Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges ...
04/13/2026

During Community College Month, Achieving the Dream is spotlighting voices from its Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction — exemplary institutions leading the way in advancing student success.

Our Leaders Listen spotlights center the perspectives of college leaders who are working to ensure that student voices actively shape institutional priorities, policies, and practices. In this blog, we hear from Dr. David May, president of Bellevue College (Washington), whose reflections underscore the importance of designing systems that truly reflect the realities of students’ lives — and the responsibility of leadership to respond when they don’t.

Read more: https://achievingthedream.org/leaders-listen-bellevue-colleges-president-david-may-on-designing-for-student-reality/

As DREAM 2026 draws to a close, our final plenary elevates student voices and reflects on how identity, belonging, and r...
03/05/2026

As DREAM 2026 draws to a close, our final plenary elevates student voices and reflects on how identity, belonging, and resilience shape student success. Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, a Kiowa Tribal Citizen and professor at the University of Oklahoma, offers a grounding reflection on how culture and belonging must be woven into institutional practice. The session also featured our 2026 DREAM Scholars sharing their thoughts and insights in a panel discussion led by Francesca I. Carpenter and Denice Frohman!

Before DREAM 2026 ends, we want to thank all of our sponsors, especially Element451, Ascendium, Bank of America, Gates...
03/05/2026

Before DREAM 2026 ends, we want to thank all of our sponsors, especially Element451, Ascendium, Bank of America, Gates Foundation, and Ellucian! The support of all of our sponsors made DREAM 2026 a success, we couldn't have done it without you, and we hope to see you next year!

Are you looking to continue your learning beyond ATD's DREAM Labs? We provide institutions with holistic, tailored suppo...
03/05/2026

Are you looking to continue your learning beyond ATD's DREAM Labs? We provide institutions with holistic, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K-12 partnerships, and more.

https://achievingthedream.org/areas-of-expertise/

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Leader Colleges of Distinction. Your exemplary work will continue to improve outcomes...
03/04/2026

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Leader Colleges of Distinction. Your exemplary work will continue to improve outcomes for students and elevate your communities.

https://achievingthedream.org/2026-lc-lcod/

Our Champions of Change Luncheon kicked off with DREAM Scholars Zoe Bok and Bohdan Andrashko sharing their "I Am" poems....
03/04/2026

Our Champions of Change Luncheon kicked off with DREAM Scholars Zoe Bok and Bohdan Andrashko sharing their "I Am" poems. Stay tuned for our celebration of our new Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction!

Learn more about ATD awards and recognitions: https://achievingthedream.org/awards-recognition/

ATD’s Finish Line Game helps increase awareness of the barriers to student success. Join us at 3:45 PT in room E147/148 ...
03/03/2026

ATD’s Finish Line Game helps increase awareness of the barriers to student success. Join us at 3:45 PT in room E147/148 on level 1 for a chance to play the game!

If you can't make it, check out the game here: https://achievingthedream.org/thefinishline/

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8484 Georgia Avenue, Ste 500
Silver Spring, MD
20910

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