Albemarle — Stanly Community College is achieving its dream.
SCC has been named an “Achieving the Dream — Leader College,” just one of eight community colleges to be recognized for its accomplishments in 2017. “Achieving the Dream (ADT)” is a network of more than 220 colleges in 39 states that work together to share knowledge, innovative solutions and resources to ultimately increase a student’s chance of success.
SCC has been part of the ADT Network since 2012, but this is its first year being named a “Leader College”— a status that will remain with the school for the next three years.
To qualify for “Leader College” status, ADT participating schools must show measurable improvement in student success and achievement over a three-year period. Dr. John Enamait, president of SCC, said he couldn’t be prouder of SCC staff, administrators and students, but the work is just beginning.
“This nationally recognized designation doesn’t mark the end of our efforts. … We must strive to improve student chances of success year after year,” he said.
In a video press conference Tuesday, ADT President Dr. Karen Stout praised Enamait and Stanly Community College for its efforts and for building a culture centered around the student experience. She said it was easy to choose SCC for the award.
“Progress at SCC is concrete and measurable,” said Stout. “One main reason SCC was chosen was for improvements to its Gateway Math Program.”
Stout said that, statistically, many students have trouble with college-level math courses.
“SCC has been able to drastically improve its pass/fail numbers when it comes to mathematics,” she said.
Besides improving upon individual student academic accomplishments, another benefit of gaining “ADT Leader College” status is, simply, more funding for SCC.
“Gaining ‘Leader College’ status opens up grant opportunities for these schools,” said Stout
“Achieving the Dream” colleges must commit to the following:
- Actively support efforts to improve student outcomes — not just enrollments
- Leaders must commit to achieving equity in outcomes across racial/ethnic and income groups
- Data must be collected and reported to accurately track student progress
- Faculty must implement strategies to close achievement gaps
- Faculty must establish a culture of continuous improvement
Stanly Community College has been teaching and training the region’s workforce for more than 40-years. Its curriculum includes more than 30 programs of study in health, business, engineering, computers, public service and college transfer.
SCC’s Continuing Education Division also serves the community in the areas of basic skills, adult high school, professional and business/industry certifications, health care, computer training, and protective services.
In total, SCC serves approximately 10,000 curriculum, continuing education, and basic skills students each year.