Achieving the Dream (ATD)

Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a network of 300 community colleges from across the nation that share a commitment to institutional transformation to increase the number of students who earn postsecondary credentials and access jobs with living-sustainable wages, benefits, and the potential for upward mobility. The ATD framework is built on the premise that institutional transformation is supported by identifying key opportunity areas where change is needed and building capacity across campus to manage the needed changes.

In early spring 2023, ATD announced that Queensborough was one of only ten colleges selected nationally to participate in a three-year Accelerating Equitable Outcomes cohort. To support this effort, Queensborough developed a cross-divisional team that serves as core leadership for the initiative.

Core Leadership Team

Arthur Corradetti, Dean For Institutional Effectiveness
Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Stephen Di Dio, Vice President for Division of Strategic Initiatives and Advancement
Victor Fichera, Principal Investigator for Academy Assessment Protocol
Maria Mercedes Franco, Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Nidhi Gadura, Professor, Chair of Department of Biological Sciences and Geology
Elisabeth Lacker, Director Institutional Research
Tanisha Mallett, Chief Content Officer and Director of Communication
Christine Mangino, President
Amaris Matos, Assistant Vice President for Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Brian Mitra, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment
Zivah Perel Katz, Professor, English Department
Kerri-Ann Smith, Associate Professor, Faculty Fellow for Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity
Michael Verdino, Director of Academy Advisement

Timeline

Spring 2023

Selected for the Achieving the Dream inaugural Accelerating Equitable Outcomes cohort

Core Leadership Group attended the Accelerating Equitable Outcomes Kickoff Institute

Fall 2023

Hosted ATD coaches for campus event that engaged over 60 members of the Queensborough community and helped identify areas where change is needed

Administered the ATD Institutional Capacity and Assessment Tool (ICAT)

Identified focal areas for three-year initiative

Spring 2024

Identify four capacity areas that need to be developed on campus

Host ATD coaches and engage community in a Capacity Cafe

Host two ATD coaches for a second spring visit and plan years two and three

Focal and Capacity Areas

During AY2024-205 and AY 2025-2026, Queensborough will collaboratively work to strengthen the campus' work in three focal areas. To support this work, the campus will also work to develop capacities in four key areas.

Focal Areas

First-year Experience
Integrated Career Advisement
Low-success Courses

Capacities

Policies and Processes
Teaching and Learning
Data and Technology
Communications

Campus Cultural Centers

Kupferberg Holocaust Center

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

Russian Ballet performing at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center

QPAC: Performing Arts Center

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

Queensborough Art Gallery exterior in the afternoon

QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.