A Partner Impact Event with Hartnell

Ecosystems that Prevent Stop-Out at Community Colleges 

Although community colleges saw a 2.6% enrollment increase in fall 2023—the highest growth in higher education today—the trend has been overshadowed by the alarming number of students stopping out. Studies from New America show that students within this category cite a lack of motivation and belonging at rates on par with financial and academic struggles. Even more telling is that 75% of stop-outs noted facing 4+ hardships while enrolled.

Leaders at these institutions know there’s no singular solution and that pervasive data gaps in understanding student hardships are only exacerbating the problem. In a time- and resource-constrained environment, many institutions are looking to create support ecosystems that rely on peer connections to uplift student challenges and foster belonging.

When so much pressure is placed on serving the student and uplifting the community, does this strategy seem worthwhile? Hartnell College says yes, based on the higher persistence and course success rates in the Salinas Valley Promise Program.

Join us on Thursday, April 18th, for a special webinar celebrating Community College Month. We’ll dive into the architecture and positive outcomes of the Salinas Valley Promise program, a multifaceted initiative that leverages a paid model of peer mentorship, professional development workshops, and more to foster a sense of belonging and encourage student persistence.