Dream 2018 Brings Leaders Across the Country to Improve and Strengthen Community College
February 27, 2018
By Mai P. Tran, ECMC Foundation
Last week, more than 2,300 leaders in postsecondary education, public policy and philanthropy traveled to Nashville, TN to attend Achieving the Dream's (ATD) 14th annual conference, "DREAM 2018."
Bringing their diverse perspectives and experiences, they shared best practices and innovations on community college reform and strategies to help improve transfer and graduation outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds, including students of color, those who are the first in their family to attend college, individuals coming from low-income families and adults returning for further education.
ATD is a network of more than 220 postsecondary institutions across the country receiving support from coaches, advisors, investors and partners who are working together to help community college students achieve their education and career dreams.
Each year, the DREAM conference provides a rich learning opportunity consisting of workshops and plenaries. DREAM 2018 focused around ATD's Institutional Capacity Framework, a comprehensive approach to creating high-performing community college institutions. It involves building strength in seven building blocks:
- Leadership & Vision
- Data & Technology
- Equity
- Teaching & Learning
- Engagement & Communication
- Strategy & Planning
- Policies & Practices
Attendees included many of ECMC Foundation's grantee partners including The Aspen Institute, College Forward, Community College Resource Center, Iḷisaġvik College, Jobs for the Future, MDC, MDRC, One Million Degrees, Roadtrip Nation, Triton College, among others. The host of the event, ATD is also a grantee partner.
ECMC Foundation's Jennifer Zeisler and Sarah Belnick attended DREAM 2018 and had the opportunity to catch up or hear from many of the Foundation's grantee partners. Pictures of several of ECMC Foundation's grantee partners and Zeisler and Belnick capturing the event are available below.
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