One Goal,Two Institutions: How a Community College and 4-Year University Partner to Bridge Student College Readiness Gaps |
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| Authors: | Dawna Wilson Kimberly M Lowry |
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| Institution: | 1. Student &2. Enrollment Services, Eastfield College, Mesquite, Texas, USADawnaWilson@dcccd.edu;4. Academic Affairs and Student Success, Eastfield College, Mesquite, Texas, USA |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTRecent national attention on college completion poses unique challenges and opportunities for community colleges. Moving underprepared students through basic skills educational courses to degree attainment represents an ongoing challenge. With more than 60% of community college students enrolled in remedial education, 2-year institutions must explore innovative approaches aimed at underprepared student completion. One community college did just that and partnered with a 4-year institution to expand postsecondary pathway options for underprepared first-year students. By establishing the Tiger Gateway Program, these two institutions collaborated to address student college readiness gaps using a summer bridge model. Seventy-five percent of participants self-reported as Hispanic/Latino with the remaining 25% identifying as African American or Black. Outcomes indicate participants who completed the program, 23 of 26, made gains in intellectual, academic, and social development. Findings support scholarship attesting that highly structured, meaningful, well-defined collaboration particularly benefits students from low-socio-status and underserved populations. |
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