Achieving the Dream Initiative

Achieving the Dream logo

Along with six other Pennsylvania community colleges, CCAC was honored to be selected to join Achieving the Dream in 2006. Achieving the Dream is a national initiative to help more community college students succeed, particularly low-income students and students of color. There are more than three hundred Achieving the Dream institutions across the country.

As an Achieving the Dream college, we expand our promise to give students clear ways to succeed. We offer programs and services that support success in school, work, and community life. We also use regular checks of student learning and college results to keep improving. We help students meet academic goals, grow their careers, build personal skills, and engage with their communities. 

We are privileged to have two esteemed colleagues serving as our coaches in this initiative:

  • Dr. Mary Fifield

    Dr. Fifield served as president at two community colleges spanning 20 years: Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) in Massachusetts and Harrisburg Area Community College in Pennsylvania. During her tenure, each college was selected as national recipient for achievement of equity and opportunity for persons of color and women by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). She served on the Board and Executive Committee of the American Association of Community Colleges, on the Massachusetts Governor’s Higher Education Leadership Transition Team, and on the Commonwealth’s Workforce Investment Board. Her strengths include leading college-wide change and creating fair student success plans. 

    Learn more about her work here: https://achievingthedream.org/person/dr-mary-fifield/

  • Dr. Rhonda Coats

    Dr. Rhonda Coats has more than 35 years of experience in higher education administration at both the campus level and the state system level. While she has taught basic skills and GED prep classes, her love for students moved her to a career in Student Affairs. She has led operations and helped develop policies in these areas. 

    Learn more about her work here: https://achievingthedream.org/person/dr-rhonda-coats/