Howard Community College Joins National Shortened Terms Initiative
Howard Community College's Participation in a National Initiative
Howard Community College is excited to share its participation in a new national initiative aimed at adopting shortened academic terms. This initiative, spearheaded by Achieving the Dream (ATD), is designed to transform the landscape of community college education, making it more accessible and effective for students.
About Achieving the Dream
Achieving the Dream is a prestigious reform network focused on enhancing community colleges as essential centers for learning and economic mobility. By participating in this initiative, Howard Community College aims to build upon its commitment to elevating student success through innovative approaches.
A Commitment to Flexibility in Education
In her statement, President Daria J. Willis emphasized the importance of creating flexible pathways for students. The college recognizes that students today juggle many responsibilities, such as jobs and family obligations. That’s why Howard Community College is proud to support the initiative that promotes accelerated programs, allowing students to navigate their academic journeys more efficiently.
Understanding Shortened Academic Terms
Traditionally, colleges have relied on 15-week semesters, which can be challenging for students requiring adaptable schedules. Shortened academic terms are an innovative solution, providing students with the opportunity to focus on fewer courses while accelerating their progression toward graduation. This model not only maintains momentum but also enhances students' confidence and completion rates.
Driving Change Through Support and Training
The Scaling Shortened Academic Terms initiative is funded by the Ascendium Education Group, which supports colleges that have already taken steps to implement this transformative model. This project addresses the complexities of integrating shortened terms by providing well-structured supports and targeted coaching.
Enhancing Student Outcomes
Through effective training, professional growth opportunities, and data-informed decision-making processes, the initiative aims to embed these shortened term frameworks in ways that improve student momentum and success. Colleges involved in this program will work collaboratively to share best practices and insights for long-term sustainability.
Evaluation and Evidence-Based Impact
The initiative will also undergo a thorough external evaluation led by the Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University. This evaluation will focus on understanding the effectiveness of these new models and identifying which student populations benefit most significantly. ATD's President and CEO, Dr. Karen A. Stout, expressed confidence that this initiative will lead to meaningful transformation across the participating colleges.
Collaborative Efforts Across Institutions
Howard Community College will collaborate with other colleges in Maryland, including Community College of Baltimore County, Montgomery College, and Wor-Wic Community College, along with institutions from Michigan, Ohio, and Virginia. This collective effort will amplify the shared mission to create supportive learning environments conducive to student achievement.
About Howard Community College
Since its inception in 1970, Howard Community College has established itself as a top choice for students and families. With an enrollment of nearly 22,000 students annually, HCC provides diverse educational programs, including associate degrees, workforce development training, and continuing education opportunities.
Acknowledgments and Future Directions
Howard Community College is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in higher education. With accolades such as the 2019 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, HCC stands at the forefront of educational excellence. HCC looks forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on its students and the wider community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Scaling Shortened Academic Terms initiative?
The initiative aims to help higher education institutions adopt shortened academic terms to improve student outcomes and make education more flexible.
How does Howard Community College benefit from participating?
HCC benefits through enhanced student support, innovative program development, and alignment with modern educational needs, enabling students to achieve their goals more effectively.
Who is funding the initiative?
The initiative is funded by Ascendium Education Group, which supports the implementation of shortened academic structures in participating colleges.
What types of support will colleges receive?
Participating colleges will receive targeted coaching, professional development opportunities, and data-driven assistance to successfully integrate shortened term formats.
What is the role of the Community College Research Center?
The CCRC will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the initiative to assess its impact and provide evidence on the effectiveness of shortened academic terms.
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