A national nonprofit organization has awarded West Los Angeles College a designation for improving student success and closing achievement gaps.
The college received the Leader College distinction award from Achieving the Dream because it has shown how data can inform policy and practice to help community college students achieve their goals, resulting in improved skills, better employability, and economic growth for families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
“We are proud to be honored in this way but, more importantly, we are pleased to see that steps we have taken and continue to take are making a difference for students,” said West Los Angeles College Interim President Robert Sprague.
West’s Fall to Fall student initiative rose more than 5 % between 2010 and 2013, according to the community college. Campus data also shows West Los Angeles is decreasing academic gaps between black, Latino and low income students and between of white and Asian students.
“Becoming a Leader College is very powerful and affirms the exceptional work and commitment of faculty and staff to their students’ success,” said Achieving the Dream Vice President for Community College Relations Cindy Lenhart. “West is using evidence to make informed decisions that lead to significant institutional change.”
Achieving the Dream is dedicated to helping more community college students, particularly low-income students and students of color, stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree.