November 01 '23•Benjamin Demers•graduation• award• recognition• community

Mission College Named Champion of Higher Education

Smiling students at graduation
Mission College has received the esteemed title of "2023 Champion of Higher Education" from the Campaign for College Opportunity due to the successful implementation of the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- Mission College is proud to announce that it has received the esteemed title of "2023 Champion of Higher Education" from the Campaign for College Opportunity, underscoring the college's commitment to expanding access to higher education through the successful implementation of the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program.

Mission College has been acknowledged as a top performer in the category of "Champion of Higher Education – Growth in Associate Degrees for Transfer." The accolade celebrates the substantial increase in the number of students earning ADTs between the 2020–21 and the 2021–22 academic years, highlighting the college's pivotal role in providing enhanced educational opportunities for its community.

"This award is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our faculty, staff, and students to creating a clear and accessible pathway to higher education,” Mission College President Dr. Seher Awan said. “We are proud to be recognized as a Champion of Higher Education and will continue our mission to provide opportunities for all.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) are academic programs offered by community colleges in California, designed to provide students with a clear and seamless pathway to transfer to a four-year university. These degrees guarantee that students who complete them will receive priority admission and junior standing at participating California State University (CSU) campuses.

Mission College offers 21 ADTs including Business Administration, Biology,  Public Health, Economics and more. The college saw an increase of 15 percent in Associate Degrees for Transfer in Art and Associate Degrees for Transfer in Science awarded from 2020-21 to 2021-22. The college awarded 325 in 2020-21 and 373 in 2021-22.

"The Associate Degree for Transfer program is a game-changer for our students,” said Lorrie Ranck, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Mission. “It simplifies the transfer process, making higher education more attainable and affordable. We are thrilled to be a part of this transformative journey."

The Campaign for College Opportunity has championed significant legislation, such as SB 1440 (Padilla) in 2010, which has facilitated the awarding of over 480,000 Associate Degrees for Transfer. These degrees provide a streamlined pathway for community college students to transfer and earn bachelor's degrees within the California State University (CSU) system. 

In honor of this distinction, Mission College will be celebrated at the 2023 Champions of Higher Education Celebration, a virtual event scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected] 
About Mission College

Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.

With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services to foster a thriving educational community. 


Learn More About Mission