#United States #Palatine #One Million Degrees #Harper College #graduation rates

Introduction

Harper College, located in Palatine, Illinois, is making strides in enhancing educational outcomes for its diverse student body through a newly established wraparound support program. Serving over 26,500 students annually, Harper College has recognized the challenges many students face—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Recently, they have heightened their commitment by integrating a comprehensive support structure aimed at improving student retention and graduation rates.

The Need for Support

In today’s academic landscape, community college students are often juggling numerous responsibilities, including part-time jobs and family obligations. Many of these students are the first in their families to pursue higher education, making their journey even more challenging. According to Dr. Ruth Williams, provost of Harper College, a single unforeseen setback can disrupt their academic trajectory. This stark reality is reflected in the demographics of Harper's student population—nearly half identify as Hispanic, Asian American, or African American, with a significant percentage attending classes part-time.

Overview of the Wraparound Support Program

Recognizing these challenges, Harper College has teamed up with One Million Degrees (OMD), a Chicago-based nonprofit known for its effective student support model. The partnership aims to overhaul Harper’s existing SOAR+ program, which focuses on individualized coaching and advising. By expanding its reach, the program is set to serve over 1,000 students each year, helping them navigate the complexities of college life while ensuring they have access to essential resources.

Key Features of the Program

The program's effectiveness stems from OMD’s proven methods, which include:

• - Proactive Case Management: Dedicated advisors closely monitor student progress and intervene early to provide necessary support.
• - Career Coaching: Helping students align their academic pursuits with career goals, thereby increasing their motivation and focus.
• - Financial Assistance: Offering emergency financial aid to prevent students from dropping out due to monetary issues.
• - Peer Support: Creating a community among students to foster personal connections and shared experiences.

Harper College’s leaders recognized the need for clearer pathways to access these support services. As a result, they’ve restructured advising systems to accommodate lower caseloads for advisors, thereby enabling them to dedicate more personalized time to each student.

Impact and Results

The impacts of this innovative approach have been remarkable. Over the last decade, Harper College has seen a significant increase in graduation rates, skyrocketing from a mere 13% to an impressive 47%. What started as a pilot program with just 40 students has grown to support over 200 students annually under the new model. Furthermore, the program aims to develop a First Year Experience initiative that will cater to over 1,000 new students per year, supported by a $2 million commitment from the college.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Aarti Dhupelia, CEO of One Million Degrees, asserts that community college students represent some of the most determined learners in higher education. However, traditional support systems have failed to address their unique challenges. Harper College’s renewed approach provides a strong example of how community colleges can implement holistic support to achieve remarkable outcomes.

With OMD's growing influence across Illinois, including a statewide partnership with the University of Illinois System that aims to broaden their impact, Harper College's model serves as a prototype for community colleges nationwide. Backed by collaborative efforts and research, their initiatives drive towards enhanced graduation, transfer rates, and ultimately, economic mobility for students from diverse backgrounds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Harper College’s wraparound support program epitomizes a forward-thinking strategy in community college education. By embedding tailored support systems into the fabric of the student experience, Harper reinforces its commitment to fostering educational success and empowering students to thrive amidst the complexities of academic life.