Strengthening Institutions, Strengthening MCC
Just in time for the dead of summer, MCC landed some hot news this week, receiving word that the college will receive nearly $400,000 through a critical U.S. Department of Education grant program, Strengthening Institutions.
The Title III project, "Strategies for Success: Increasing Achievement, Persistence, Retention and Engagement," focuses on comprehensive enhanced advising and curricula initiatives, both of which are linked together throughout the five-year implementation. The advising initiative includes the purchase of advising software, addition of advising staff, the design of new advising services by programs of study, implementation of an early warning system, and the integration of career, education and financial planning into the advising process. The curriculum component includes the integration of core student success skills into gateway courses, the development of learning communities with gateway courses, and the intentional connection of academic programs and student development with the assistance of an engagement specialist. A curriculum designer will support faculty in the new academic initiatives and also will work with advising to design programs for faculty and students.
On Tuesday, Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, along with Congresswoman Niki Tsongas joined forces to announce the first year of funding under the grant program.
The funding will allow MCC to address key academic issues by designing a Reformed Curriculum and Comprehensive Advising program. Critical thinking, communication, organization and self assessment programs will be offered under the Reformed Curriculum and identification of career goals and the creation of realistic education plans and programs will be included in the integrated advising services.
"The new curriculum program at Middlesex Community College will help make sure our students are prepared to compete in today's global economy," said Senator Kerry. "I am pleased that the Department of Education has provided the funding necessary to allow us to invest in the future of young people throughout Massachusetts."
"Senator Kennedy congratulates Middlesex Community College for its leadership and dedication in reaching beyond traditional academic programs," said Melissa Wagoner, spokeswoman for Senator Kennedy. "The College is preparing its students well for the future in our constantly changing economy. Senator Kennedy is proud that this significant investment by the Department of Education will reap major benefits in the years to come for the people of the Commonwealth."
Said Tsongas: "As a former Dean at Middlesex Community College, I know much the career development and education resources at MCC benefit students in our area. Through Dr. Cowan's outstanding leadership, MCC continually creates additional opportunities for students. I am so pleased that this measure of federal funding will enable MCC to add to its outstanding curriculum and help students take further advantage of the distinctive advising program available at the school."
President Cowan was obviously overjoyed by the award: "We are thrilled that MCC will receive funding within the U.S. Department of Education's Strengthening Institutions program. These critical resources will allow the College to offer an even more effective curriculum and bring academic and career advising services to at-risk students in our communities who can immediately put them to good use. It's especially promising to be able to use new and emerging technologies to assist our students in their advancement. This is exciting and invigorating news for our students!"
A special blog shout-out goes to Mary Anne Dean, grant writer extraordinaire, and the rest of the MCC team that helped pull off a win in this extremely competitive and challenging area.