April is designated as Community College Month, a time to celebrate the critical role and contributions of community colleges to higher education. For 20 years, Innovative Educators has partnered with over 200 community colleges across the country, providing meaningful professional development for faculty and staff as well as student success resources. Founded by community college educators, Innovative Educators is dedicated to the unique role these institutions play. We firmly believe that community colleges are the vibrant threads weaving together opportunities, aspirations, and dreams for students each year. As we reflect on the last 20 years and the expansive network of community colleges we serve, we see how the landscape has changed and evolved. Three major themes have emerged as priorities for our community college colleagues.

1. Community colleges have dedicated themselves to being beacons of inclusivity and accessibility, offering a myriad of pathways for students to embark on their educational journey. From recent high school graduates seeking a solid foundation for their academic pursuits to working adults yearning to enhance their skills or embark on a new career, community colleges open their doors wide, embracing diversity and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. One of the most remarkable aspects of community colleges is their unwavering commitment to meeting students where they are. Through wrap-around services and basic needs assessments to guided pathways, community colleges have adapted to be student-ready, ensuring that education remains within reach, regardless of external obligations or constraints.

2. Beyond accessibility, community colleges embody a spirit of innovation, constantly evolving to meet the shifting needs of their students and communities. Whether through partnerships with local industries to develop workforce training programs or initiatives to support underrepresented populations, community colleges serve as dynamic hubs of creativity and progress. By nurturing a culture of innovation, they empower students to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.

3. Community colleges also play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and community. With smaller class sizes and close-knit campus environments, students forge meaningful connections with their peers, instructors, and mentors. These connections not only enhance the learning experience but also provide invaluable support systems that empower students to overcome challenges and persevere on their educational journey.

Empowering Student Success: Celebrating Our Strong Partnerships

The Innovative Educators team is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our community college partners like Cayuga Community College, Mesa Community College and Sante Fe College who have created holistic and comprehensive support systems to help their students to succeed. Together, we work to empower students for success!

For nearly 20 years, Innovative Educators has assisted college leaders to build foundations of success for their students. Institutions have seen student engagement and retention increase as a result of utilizing Go2Orientation, OnlineLingo and StudentLingo to onboard new students. Grounded in best practices for online learning, Innovative Educators student support tools are engaging, interactive, and community-building. Go2Orientation, OnlineLingo and StudentLingo together create a powerful online resource center providing support to students throughout their academic journey.

By Meg Foster, Online Learning & Design Specialist - Consultant & Wendy Archer,  Web Content Coordinator 
April 16, 2024