This workshop presentation discusses the importance of community colleges in retaining African American students and advancing their higher education. It notes that community colleges enroll nearly half of all undergraduates, including over 50% of black and Latino students. The presentation aims to understand why community colleges are important for maintaining African American student retention and to have meaningful discussions around programming and partnerships with community colleges to improve retention. It encourages participants to consider innovative programs or partnerships between two-year and four-year institutions to help keep African American students progressing through the higher education system.

1. A DREAM DEFERRED: THE FUTURE OF
AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATION
THE PALMER HOUSE HILTON
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
MAY1-2, 2013
Dr. Fay M. Butler
LaGuardia Community College/CUNY
Creating Innovative Programs with Community
Colleges to Improve the Retention of African
American Students
A DREAM DEFERRED: THE FUTURE OF
AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATION
THE PALMER HOUSE HILTON
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
MAY1-2, 2013
Dr. Fay M. Butler
LaGuardia Community College/CUNY

2. THERE ARE TWO PROPOSED WORKSHOP
OUTCOMES
•THE FIRST OUTCOME IS TO UNDERSTAND WHY
WE NEED COMMUNITY COLLEGES TO MAINTAIN
AND INCREASE RETENTION OF AFRICAN
AMERICAN STUDENTS
•THE SECOND OUTCOME IS TO ENGAGE IN
MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT
PROGRAMMING AT AND PARTNERING WITH
COMMUNITY COLLEGES AS IT RELATES TO
RETENTION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS
Creating Innovative Programs with Community
Colleges to Improve the Retention of African
American Students
THERE ARE TWO PROPOSED WORKSHOP
OUTCOMES
•THE FIRST OUTCOME IS TO UNDERSTAND WHY
WE NEED COMMUNITY COLLEGES TO MAINTAIN
AND INCREASE RETENTION OF AFRICAN
AMERICAN STUDENTS
•THE SECOND OUTCOME IS TO ENGAGE IN
MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT
PROGRAMMING AT AND PARTNERING WITH
COMMUNITY COLLEGES AS IT RELATES TO
RETENTION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS

3. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
This workshop will be presented in four parts
I. The Importance of the Community College in the
Higher Education Landscape-
II. Why the Community College Matters for African
American Students- The Retention Pipeline
III. I Have a Dream-Creating Innovative Programs-
IV. Case Study Exercise
V. Wrap Up/ Q& A
This workshop will be presented in four parts
I. The Importance of the Community College in the
Higher Education Landscape-
II. Why the Community College Matters for African
American Students- The Retention Pipeline
III. I Have a Dream-Creating Innovative Programs-
IV. Case Study Exercise
V. Wrap Up/ Q& A

4. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
I. The Importance of the Community College in the Higher
Education Landscape- Brief Review and History
Community colleges became a national network in the
1960’s with the opening of 457 public community
colleges.
The number of community colleges has steadily grown
since the 1960s. At present, there are 1,166 community
colleges in the United States. When the branch
campuses of community colleges are included, the
number totals about 1600.
I. The Importance of the Community College in the Higher
Education Landscape- Brief Review and History
Community colleges became a national network in the
1960’s with the opening of 457 public community
colleges.
The number of community colleges has steadily grown
since the 1960s. At present, there are 1,166 community
colleges in the United States. When the branch
campuses of community colleges are included, the
number totals about 1600.

5. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
I. The Importance of the Community College
in the Higher Education Landscape- Brief
Review and History
Community Colleges students comprise
a large segment of the postsecondary
population and its share of the
undergraduate population likely to
increase (College Board).
I. The Importance of the Community College
in the Higher Education Landscape- Brief
Review and History
Community Colleges students comprise
a large segment of the postsecondary
population and its share of the
undergraduate population likely to
increase (College Board).

6. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
I. The Importance of the Community College in the Higher
Education Landscape- Brief Review and History
“Community colleges enrolled 6.2 million
students (35% of all undergraduates) in 2006-07,
including the majority of low- to moderate-income
students” (Choy, 2001).
I. The Importance of the Community College in the Higher
Education Landscape- Brief Review and History
“Community colleges enrolled 6.2 million
students (35% of all undergraduates) in 2006-07,
including the majority of low- to moderate-income
students” (Choy, 2001).

7. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
II. Why the Community College Matters for African American
Students-The Retention Pipeline
WE NEED COMMUNITY COLLEGES!!!
The Retention Pipeline-Student View
A place of opportunity for students to begin a
journey to springboard them to their destinies.
OPEN DOORS….ACCESS
II. Why the Community College Matters for African American
Students-The Retention Pipeline
WE NEED COMMUNITY COLLEGES!!!
The Retention Pipeline-Student View
A place of opportunity for students to begin a
journey to springboard them to their destinies.
OPEN DOORS….ACCESS

8. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
II. Why the Community College Matters for African American
Students-The Retention Pipeline
The Retention Pipeline-The Institutional View
A steady, “credible” resource for Institutions to
maintain or increase their enrollment
goals/numbers.
II. Why the Community College Matters for African American
Students-The Retention Pipeline
The Retention Pipeline-The Institutional View
A steady, “credible” resource for Institutions to
maintain or increase their enrollment
goals/numbers.

9. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
II. Why the Community College Matters for African
American Students-The Retention Pipeline
WE NEED COMMUNITY COLLEGES!!!
The Community College Today
• Nearly half of all undergraduates, and more than
50 percent of all Black and Latino students attend
community colleges (American Association of
Community Colleges, AACC, 2006)
II. Why the Community College Matters for African
American Students-The Retention Pipeline
WE NEED COMMUNITY COLLEGES!!!
The Community College Today
• Nearly half of all undergraduates, and more than
50 percent of all Black and Latino students attend
community colleges (American Association of
Community Colleges, AACC, 2006)

10. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
II. Why the Community College Matters for African American
Students-The Retention Pipeline
WE NEED COMMUNITY COLLEGES!!!
• Traditionally, our community colleges have been
critical portals of entry to higher education for
underserved students. They enroll high
proportions of Black, Latino and Native American
Students and high proportions of students from
lower income and working class families.
(Rhoades, 2012)
II. Why the Community College Matters for African American
Students-The Retention Pipeline
WE NEED COMMUNITY COLLEGES!!!
• Traditionally, our community colleges have been
critical portals of entry to higher education for
underserved students. They enroll high
proportions of Black, Latino and Native American
Students and high proportions of students from
lower income and working class families.
(Rhoades, 2012)

11. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
II. Why the Community College Matters for African
American Students- The Retention Pipeline
o Community Colleges can serve as a springboard to
educational success.- Affordable and accessible
o Community colleges are a vital part of the postsecondary
education delivery system.
o Community colleges offer a wide variety of programs-
flexibility allows institutions to meet varied student needs
o Community Colleges can be a good choice for students
unsure of their degree path
II. Why the Community College Matters for African
American Students- The Retention Pipeline
o Community Colleges can serve as a springboard to
educational success.- Affordable and accessible
o Community colleges are a vital part of the postsecondary
education delivery system.
o Community colleges offer a wide variety of programs-
flexibility allows institutions to meet varied student needs
o Community Colleges can be a good choice for students
unsure of their degree path

12. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
II. Why the Community College Matters for African
American Students- The Retention Pipeline
WE NEED COMMUNITY COLLEGES
 MEET THE STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE-the
Community College
 THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE IS JUST
THE BEGINNING
II. Why the Community College Matters for African
American Students- The Retention Pipeline
WE NEED COMMUNITY COLLEGES
 MEET THE STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE-the
Community College
 THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE IS JUST
THE BEGINNING

13. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 INNOVATION- DEFINED-a new idea, method, or
device : novelty.
 For this presentation, think of innovation as a
new idea or initiative in that…the idea may not be
new to the industry but will be new for you or
your institution
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 INNOVATION- DEFINED-a new idea, method, or
device : novelty.
 For this presentation, think of innovation as a
new idea or initiative in that…the idea may not be
new to the industry but will be new for you or
your institution

14. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
DREAMS and ideas BUT FIRST
Who are you-What is your role at your institution, what
influence do you have?-You don’t always need position
power to have influence
Why-If you are interested in creating and implementing
initiatives with a community college, you need to have
partners and buy in.
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
DREAMS and ideas BUT FIRST
Who are you-What is your role at your institution, what
influence do you have?-You don’t always need position
power to have influence
Why-If you are interested in creating and implementing
initiatives with a community college, you need to have
partners and buy in.

15. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
• What has worked in the past with Community Colleges?
Partnerships
 Institutions that have been successful have created
transfer pathways or dual admissions programs, they
have created cultures on their campuses that are
receptive to transfer students.
 (Read College Board Report “Improving Student
Transfer from Community Colleges to Four-Year
Institutions”)
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
• What has worked in the past with Community Colleges?
Partnerships
 Institutions that have been successful have created
transfer pathways or dual admissions programs, they
have created cultures on their campuses that are
receptive to transfer students.
 (Read College Board Report “Improving Student
Transfer from Community Colleges to Four-Year
Institutions”)

16. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
OTHER QUESTIONS
• Can successful programs be duplicated at your
institution?
What would be the challenges?
• Why Partner With Community Colleges- College Board
lists the following reasons
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
OTHER QUESTIONS
• Can successful programs be duplicated at your
institution?
What would be the challenges?
• Why Partner With Community Colleges- College Board
lists the following reasons

17. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 REASONS TO PARTNER WITH COMMUNITY
COLLEGES
They serve almost half of the undergraduate students in the
United States, providing open access to postsecondary
education, preparing students for transfer to 4-year
institutions, providing workforce development and skills
training, and offering noncredit programs ranging from
English as a second language to skills retraining to
community enrichment programs or cultural activities.
(AACC, 2006)
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 REASONS TO PARTNER WITH COMMUNITY
COLLEGES
They serve almost half of the undergraduate students in the
United States, providing open access to postsecondary
education, preparing students for transfer to 4-year
institutions, providing workforce development and skills
training, and offering noncredit programs ranging from
English as a second language to skills retraining to
community enrichment programs or cultural activities.
(AACC, 2006)

18. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 REASONS TO PARTNER WITH COMMUNITY
COLLEGES
Transfer has been and continues to be
a popular goal for a large proportion of incoming
community college students. Surveys indicate
that at least 50 percent and perhaps as many as
80 percent of all incoming community college
students seek to transfer and earn a bachelor’s
degree.
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 REASONS TO PARTNER WITH COMMUNITY
COLLEGES
Transfer has been and continues to be
a popular goal for a large proportion of incoming
community college students. Surveys indicate
that at least 50 percent and perhaps as many as
80 percent of all incoming community college
students seek to transfer and earn a bachelor’s
degree.

19. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 REASONS TO PARTNER WITH COMMUNITY
COLLEGES
Many students who intend to earn sub
baccalaureate credentials at a community college
often increase their educational aspirations after
starting at a two year college. (College Board,
2011)
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 REASONS TO PARTNER WITH COMMUNITY
COLLEGES
Many students who intend to earn sub
baccalaureate credentials at a community college
often increase their educational aspirations after
starting at a two year college. (College Board,
2011)

20. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 REASONS TO PARTNER WITH COMMUNITY
COLLEGES*
Community colleges attract students from underserved
groups in greater numbers than four year colleges and
universities*
• Nearly half of all undergraduates, and more than 50
percent of all Black and Latino students attend
community colleges (American Association of
Community Colleges, AACC, 2006)* Emphasis Mine
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 REASONS TO PARTNER WITH COMMUNITY
COLLEGES*
Community colleges attract students from underserved
groups in greater numbers than four year colleges and
universities*
• Nearly half of all undergraduates, and more than 50
percent of all Black and Latino students attend
community colleges (American Association of
Community Colleges, AACC, 2006)* Emphasis Mine

21. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 WHAT PROGRAMMING INITIATIVE OR PARTNERSHIP
WILL WORK FOR YOUR INSTITUTION TO IMPROVE
OVERALL RETENTION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN
STUDENTS
 PROGRAMMING-defined as institutional initiatives to
create a program or build on a program that is in
place*(case study)
 PARTNERSHIPS- Two year/Four year, Two Year/CBO
III. I have a Dream-Creating Innovative
Programs-
 WHAT PROGRAMMING INITIATIVE OR PARTNERSHIP
WILL WORK FOR YOUR INSTITUTION TO IMPROVE
OVERALL RETENTION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN
STUDENTS
 PROGRAMMING-defined as institutional initiatives to
create a program or build on a program that is in
place*(case study)
 PARTNERSHIPS- Two year/Four year, Two Year/CBO

22. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
SUMMARY
Community Colleges are significant in the Higher Education
Landscape
Community- nearly 50% of undergraduates and more than
half of Black and Latino Students first enroll at
Community Colleges
Meet the students where they are- Keep them in the Higher
Education Pipeline
Think of Programming or try partnerships
SUMMARY
Community Colleges are significant in the Higher Education
Landscape
Community- nearly 50% of undergraduates and more than
half of Black and Latino Students first enroll at
Community Colleges
Meet the students where they are- Keep them in the Higher
Education Pipeline
Think of Programming or try partnerships

23. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
IV. Case Study Exercise
V. Wrap UP
Dr. Butler Contact: Fbutler@lagcc.cuny.edu
IV. Case Study Exercise
V. Wrap UP
Dr. Butler Contact: Fbutler@lagcc.cuny.edu

24. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
References
 College Board Report: Improving Student Transfer from
Community Colleges to Four Year Institutions-
Perspectives of Leaders from Baccalaureate- Granting
Institutions (2011)
 Facilitating Seamless Transition for Transfer Students:
University-Community College Relationships. Session
W1.126 AACRAO 2006, San Diego, Ca
 Geleskie. E. (2008). Advisors Perceptions of Barriers to a
Smooth Transition from a Community College to a Four-
Year University. Dissertation. University of Pennsylvania
References
 College Board Report: Improving Student Transfer from
Community Colleges to Four Year Institutions-
Perspectives of Leaders from Baccalaureate- Granting
Institutions (2011)
 Facilitating Seamless Transition for Transfer Students:
University-Community College Relationships. Session
W1.126 AACRAO 2006, San Diego, Ca
 Geleskie. E. (2008). Advisors Perceptions of Barriers to a
Smooth Transition from a Community College to a Four-
Year University. Dissertation. University of Pennsylvania

25. Creating Innovative Programs with Community Colleges to
Improve the Retention of African American Students
References
 Haurwitz, R. (2010). Community colleges face funding,
classroom challenges amid rising enrollment.
Statesman.com (December 29, 2010)
 Johnson, G. (2007). Seamless Transition in the Twenty-
First Century: Partnering to Survive and Thrive. New
Directions for Community Colleges, no 139.Fall 2007
 Mellow, G &Heelan, C. (2008). Minding The Dream .
Rowman and Littlefield, New York, NY
 Rhoades, G. (2012) Closing the Door, Increasing the
Gap: Who’s not going to (community) college?. Center for
the Future of Higher Education
References
 Haurwitz, R. (2010). Community colleges face funding,
classroom challenges amid rising enrollment.
Statesman.com (December 29, 2010)
 Johnson, G. (2007). Seamless Transition in the Twenty-
First Century: Partnering to Survive and Thrive. New
Directions for Community Colleges, no 139.Fall 2007
 Mellow, G &Heelan, C. (2008). Minding The Dream .
Rowman and Littlefield, New York, NY
 Rhoades, G. (2012) Closing the Door, Increasing the
Gap: Who’s not going to (community) college?. Center for
the Future of Higher Education