Celebrating Equity: Long Beach City College's Remarkable Impact
Long Beach City College Achieves National Recognition
Long Beach City College (LBCC) has recently made headlines by winning the prestigious Award of Excellence from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in the Advancing Institutional Equity and Belonging category. This remarkable achievement showcases LBCC's unwavering commitment to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion within its academic community. Celebrated at the AACC's national conference, this award acknowledges LBCC's persistent efforts to create an environment where every student, faculty, and staff member feels valued and included.
Leadership and Dedication
"This remarkable accolade is a testament to the incredible dedication of our entire LBCC campus community," expressed Uduak-Joe Ntuk, the President of the LBCC Board of Trustees. He emphasized that the faculty, staff, and administrators have been intentional in transforming the college into a supportive environment. LBCC is recognized as a leader nationwide for prioritizing equity and belonging in all aspects of its operations.
Meaningful Changes Under New Leadership
Accepting the award on behalf of the college was Superintendent-President Dr. Mike Muñoz. He reflected on how this distinction underscores the daily commitment to equity, stating, "At Long Beach City College, equity is not just a commitment—it is a daily practice." Through this commitment, Dr. Muñoz has guided LBCC to historic outcomes regarding student success and institutional culture, including enhanced rates of belonging among students.
Outstanding Achievements in Student Success
Under Dr. Muñoz's leadership, the college has seen significant progress, reflected in key metrics:
- A remarkable increase in student-reported feelings of mattering and belonging, nearly doubling from 49% to 92% over two years.
- Achieving record enrollment numbers, marking the largest in LBCC's nearly century-long history.
- A 50% rise in the three-year completion rate, ensuring more students successfully earn their degrees or transfer to four-year institutions.
- Significant strides in closing racial equity gaps, particularly for Black and Latina/o/x students in completing essential courses such as transfer-level math and English.
- Expanded access to basic needs, enhancing support systems for students facing food and housing insecurities.
Equity-Centered Initiatives
As a Hispanic-Serving Institution embracing diverse student populations, LBCC has launched numerous initiatives aimed at bolstering equity:
- Formation of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Public Art Advisory Group to ensure campus art is reflective of the myriad student identities.
- Enhancements to Cultural Heritage Month activities, including engaging film screenings, speaker series, and career panels.
- Support for employee resource groups focused on specific communities, offering a robust network for Black Faculty & Staff and new initiatives for LGBTQIA+ and Disabled employees.
- Development of an Equitable Teaching Community, enabling faculty to incorporate inclusive practices that cater to a diverse array of learners.
- Collaboration with local Boys & Girls Clubs to create on-campus afterschool programs, providing child care for student-parents while ensuring the success of K-12 youth.
Transformative Leadership Embracing Racial Equity
Dr. Muñoz emphasized, "These results are not coincidental; they stem from courageous, intentional leadership." He firmly believes that intertwining student success with racial equity is essential for fostering an inclusive academic community. The recognition from AACC reaffirms this belief, serving as validation for the hard work and dedication manifested throughout LBCC.
About Long Beach City College
Long Beach City College operates two campuses and accommodates over 35,000 students each semester. The primary mission is to create pathways for students, whether it be transferring to universities, entering the workforce, or progressing in career development. LBCC also plays a vital role in supporting local economic growth by contributing to workforce development. The college is dedicated to fostering equitable educational opportunities and achieving academic excellence within its diverse community. For more information, visit www.LBCC.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did Long Beach City College receive?
LBCC received the Award of Excellence from the American Association of Community Colleges for Advancing Institutional Equity and Belonging.
How has LBCC improved student success rates?
Under Dr. Muñoz's leadership, LBCC has achieved marked increases in enrollment, completion rates, and feelings of belonging among students.
What initiatives has LBCC launched for equity?
LBCC has established several equity initiatives, including the DEIA Public Art Advisory Group and partnerships with local organizations to support student needs.
What benefits does LBCC provide to its students?
LBCC offers a range of support services including food, housing, and mental health resources, alongside cultural initiatives aimed at all students.
How can I learn more about LBCC?
For more information regarding programs and initiatives at Long Beach City College, please visit their website at www.LBCC.edu.
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