Grossmont College Recognized as Champion of Higher Education

Posted on: Oct 25, 2019 12:00:00 AM
In: Grossmont, District
Awards
Contact: Lorena Ruggero lorena.ruggero@gcccd.edu

For the second year in a row, Grossmont College is being recognized as a Champion of Higher Education by the Campaign for College Opportunity for its work to significantly increase the number of students earning an Associate Degree for Transfer, an associate’s degree that guarantees transfer to a California State University institution.

“This award is an honor for Grossmont College.  It recognizes the diligence and partnership between the college and our students to help them reach their educational goals and full potential, including transfer to impacted California State University campuses,” said Grossmont College President Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh.

The award for the college’s achievements during the 2018 – 19 academic year will be given at a Nov. 14 formal reception in Los Angeles. Grossmont College was recognized, among other factors, for the third highest percentage of  ADTs awarded in California regardless of college size.

“Every year, we are excited to see thousands of students earning their Associate Degrees for Transfer and continuing their education at a university,” said Michele Siqueiros, President of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “The Campaign is proud to honor the top California leaders and campuses that are doing the necessary work to ensure transfer students can achieve their college dreams.”

Reception attendees on behalf of the college will include Abu-Ghazaleh, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Chancellor Cindy Miles, Grossmont College Counselor and Transfer Center Coordinator Sarah Moore, and Grossmont College Evaluations Advisor Tenille Venard. The Grossmont College attendees will represent the successful student transfer experience, as it begins with counseling and articulation, and ends with evaluation.

Grossmont College was one of 12 community colleges  to be recognized throughout California,   and it was also the only college or university in San Diego and Imperial counties to be honored. The Campaign for College Opportunity honors colleges that lead the state in ADT implementation as “Champions of Higher Education.”

The other recognized institutions are: Bakersfield College; Berkeley City College; Citrus College; Clovis Community College; College of the Canyons; Diablo Valley College; Evergreen Valley College; Glendale Community College; Moorpark College; Mt. San Antonio College; Pasadena City College; as well as California State University, Fullerton; California State University, Long Beach, and California State University, Los Angeles.

The Associate Degree for Transfer was created via legislation in 2010. Sponsored by then-State Senator Alex Padilla, the historic transfer reform legislation created a clear pathway for students to earn an associate degree and guarantees admission into the California State University system. To date, more than 200,000 students have earned an Associate Degree for Transfer, and of those who enrolled in the California State University, they earned a bachelor’s degree almost twice as fast as other transfer students, according to the Campaign for College Opportunity.

            The Campaign for College Opportunity is a California nonprofit bipartisan policy and research organization focused on a single mission: to ensure all Californians have an equal opportunity to attend and succeed in college in order to build a vibrant workforce, economy and democracy. For more information, visit www.CollegeCampaign.org, Facebook.com/CollegeCampaign or follow @CollegeOpp.