{"id":59,"date":"2021-03-04T20:02:52","date_gmt":"2021-03-04T20:02:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pittcc.mycareerfocus.org\/spring-2021-volume-14-issue-1\/pccs-achieving-the-dream-journey-continues\/"},"modified":"2021-04-03T20:48:17","modified_gmt":"2021-04-03T20:48:17","slug":"pccs-achieving-the-dream-journey-continues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pittcc.mycareerfocus.org\/spring-2021-volume-14-issue-1\/pccs-achieving-the-dream-journey-continues\/","title":{"rendered":"PCC\u2019s \u201cAchieving the Dream\u201d Journey Continues"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Montez Bishop<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAchieving the Dream<\/span> is a national, nonprofit leader in championing evidence-based, institutional improvement that has seen firsthand what happens when there is a long-term, sustainable commitment to improving student success. Achievement gaps close, momentum builds, lives change and neighborhoods flourish.\u201d \u2013 Achieving the Dream<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Montez

Montez Bishop, MPA \u2013 VISIONS College Coordinator and ATD Co-Chair<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

As an ATD College, Pitt Community College has been focused on structural barriers to equity and investing in equity-minded policies, practices, and behaviors that lead to success for all students.<\/span><\/p>\n

We proactively seek to create an equitable and inclusive environment within Pitt Community College. We highly value and appreciate our differences and create an environment grounded in the principles of fairness where all students can thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Katrina

Katrina Arnold, Ed.D \u2013 Director, Developmental Education and Academic Support and ATD Co-Chair<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Pitt Community College is an indispensable asset in our community\u2019s efforts to ensure and preserve access to higher education and success for all students, particularly students of color, low-income students, and other historically underrepresented student populations. However, student access and success in higher education continues to\u00a0<\/span>be impacted by the effects of\u00a0structural racism and systemic poverty. Achievement gaps among student groups reflect structural inequities that are often the result of historic and systemic social injustices. These inequities typically manifest themselves as the unintended or indirect consequences of unexamined institutional or social policies. Student success means so much more than a personal goal secured. It means improved skills, better employability, and economic growth for families, communities and our nation as a whole.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"AchievingPitt Community College\u2019s Student Vision Statement states that \u201cPCC will foster student success through engaging, inclusive, and quality instruction and by providing equitable support services that enable students to realize their academic and career goals.\u201d We have also preserved access to higher education and success for all students, particularly students of color, low-income students, and other historically underrepresented student populations.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

With our newly revised Strategic Plan, we have identified goals and objectives that will assist our work, as a college, to help dismantle those racial and equitable barriers. Within the strategic plan, there are four priorities, and they are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n