Local Community College Awarded For Helping Low Income And Minority Students
By Cherri Gregg
BLUE BELL, Pa. (CBS) - Montgomery County Community College received a national award this week for creating successful programs that resulted in higher rates of completion for students of color.
"The award honors us really for eight years of work and a number of interventions," says Karen Stout -- President of the college.
She says the school put in several programs that accelerate completion of development courses, as well as mentoring programs.
Success of the programs attracted the attention of Achieving the Dream which awarded the school a Leah Meyer Austin Award, as well as $25,000.
"The award affirms what has been a long-standing commitment at the college. You know, not just bringing students in the door, but also getting students out the door," Stout says.
Carlos Gordon will graduate this May with an associate degree after less than two years of study time. He says the school's Minority Male Mentoring Program was a huge help.
"For a first time college student I didn't know what my experience was going to be," he tells KYW Newsradio. "You have somebody that helps you and keeps you focused."
MCCC says 80 percent of mentorship participants stay in school.