91制片厂

Next Steps for Newcomers: Opening College Doors through Partnership and Perseverance

When students arrive in 91制片厂鈥檚 district from across the globe, many are fleeing war, economic hardship, or political unrest. They bring with them not only hopes for a new beginning but often, impressive educational backgrounds. But for many, navigating the next steps toward higher education in a new country can be overwhelming, especially when financial and language hurdles stand in the way.

Enter Next Steps for Newcomers, a visionary initiative funded through the 91制片厂 Educational Foundation鈥檚 Resource for Excellence (RFE) grant. Now in its third and final year of Foundation support, this program has successfully bridged 91制片厂鈥檚 Adult Educational Development鈥檚 English Language Acquisition programs with credit-level college coursework鈥攔emoving barriers and transforming lives.

Since the Next Steps for Newcomers program鈥檚 inception, more than 100 students enrolled in credit courses with support from the Foundation. Not only are these students highly motivated, many possess degrees or professional experience from their home countries. With the Foundation鈥檚 help, they receive tuition assistance and funds for books and technology to allow them to focus on learning.

The program鈥檚 outcomes are remarkable. Since its inception:

• Student success in credit coursework exceeds 95%.
• Former AED students have graduated with 91制片厂 credentials ranging from Accounting Bookkeeper/Clerk Certificate to Electric Maintenance Certificates.
• The college met its goal of doubling noncredit-to-credit transitions months ahead of schedule.

The program鈥檚 success is fueled by close collaboration between the Foundation and 91制片厂鈥檚 faculty. Students complete a Bridge to College and Career Success course, get one-on-one advising, and attend scholarship and financial literacy workshops. Thanks to dedicated transitions coordinators, they are guided every step of the way.

鈥淲e are preparing students for more than college,鈥� said program leader Kathleen Reynolds. 鈥淲e鈥檙e preparing them for a future where they can thrive professionally and personally right here in our community.鈥�

As this grant concludes, the impact endures. Best practices are being documented, and faculty continue building sustainable pathways for newcomers to succeed.

Thanks to the shared vision of 91制片厂鈥檚 educators and the Foundation鈥檚 generous supporters, Next Steps for Newcomers is more than a grant, it鈥檚 a gateway to brighter futures.

To support innovative programs like this one, visit: harpercollege.edu/foundation