MADERA — Madera Community College has been named a top 10 finalist in “The Million Dollar Community College Challenge” sponsored by Lumina Foundation.
The national grant competition was launched to help community colleges position their brand and marketing to gain the attention of adult learners. Lumina Foundation recognizes community colleges have a lot to offer adult learners, but that they may not have the resources for sophisticated branding efforts.
“The Million Dollar Community College Challenge is all about promoting the opportunities at community colleges and connecting adults to higher education,” said Shauna Davis, Strategy Director for Community College Participation. “The 10 finalists each submitted a compelling vision for making vital campus to community connections and creative ideas for promoting their colleges brand.”
Image by Priscilla Du Preez.
All top-10 finalists are eligible for a $100,000 grant and technical assistance. One of those finalists will win the $1 million dollar prize. The next step in the grant competition is to complete a video communicating MCC’s college promise to adult students.
“Many in our community did not go to college right out of high school. But we know that a college degree leads to higher incomes. Through education, people in our community can change the course of their lives. And they can impact the future for generations to follow. We are grateful for this award and the opportunity it gives us to reach adult students,” said Dr. Ángel Reyna, President, Madera Community College.
As the only comprehensive postsecondary institution in Madera County, Madera Community College is committed to meeting the needs of adult students. MCC continues to innovate and grow its offerings. For example, MCC is one of eight colleges to pilot the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE) for the California Community College system. CBE is an education model that allows students to earn credits based on mastery of skill, which is ideal for adult students with relevant work experience.
“As MCC continues to support adult students, the college is well placed to bridge the gap between the region’s unemployment and growing labor shortages. These efforts will play an important role in addressing issues of equity and helping our region thrive long term,” said Dr. Marie Harris, Vice President of Learning and Student Success, Madera Community College.
The Ten Finalists
• Madera Community College
• College of Eastern Idaho
• Community College of Rhode Island
• County College of Morris
• Great Falls College MSU
• Houston Community College
• Long Beach City College
• Madison Area Technical College
• Minnesota State College Southeast
• Northwest-Shoals Community College
The million-dollar winner will be named in August.
For more information about the challenge, please visit luminafoundation.org/challenge.
“School is a building which has four walls and a tomorrow inside.” — Lon Watters.
