College wins prestigious national award

The League for Innovation in the Community College has named Westchester Community College’s Coaching Connection Program as a 2017 Innovation of the Year winner. Established more than thirty years ago, the League’s Innovation of the Year competition was devised as a way to recognize significant innovations at member colleges.  These innovations reflect capstone achievements and the continuing renewal of the spirit of innovation and experimentation at some of the nation’s top community colleges. The award is designed to recognize faculty, staff, and administrators who have created and implemented innovative programs, practices, partnerships, policies, and activities that improve the institution’s ability to serve students and the community.

Westchester Community College is among 53 colleges named for this national competition in 2017.

The Coaching Connection Program provides a personal connection with students to support them through graduation and beyond. Through collaboration with curriculum chairs, faculty and staff, coaches provide targeted outreach to students in need of support services and make referrals to resources across campus while also following up with students to ensure they received individualized support.

Westchester Community College President Belinda Miles stated that, “The Coaching Connection initiative contributed to a 42% increase in our IPEDs graduation year in just two years. This award honors the dedication, commitment, and excellent work of our faculty and staff on behalf of student success at the college.”

In the last two years, Westchester Community College has graduated two of its largest classes since 1946. The college is growing its curriculum, reaching further into the communities to provide access to learning and opportunity, and is laser focused on providing excellent student-centered services.

“Our Coaching Connection Program is one of several initiatives that connect students with necessary services to help students make progress through the curriculum and graduate on time. We are committed to meeting students where there are and our goal is to be a true partner with our students as they fulfil their academic journeys here at the college” stated President Miles.

Support for the development/production of this material was provided by a grant under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 administered by the New York State Education Department.

For more information on the award read here: http://special.league.org/league/competitions/innovations/display/mdisplay/detail.cfm?ioy=2017&ioyid=215

 

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the most affordable tuition rates in New York State. WCC offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Westchester Community College Foundation

Since its founding in 1969, Westchester Community College Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) has raised funds to meet college and student needs not covered by public funds, distributing over $2 million in scholarships annually. Through its fundraising and programmatic activities, the Foundation supports the college’s efforts to provide access to quality education and skills for success.