Belonging

The Belonging Goal underscores the critical importance of meeting students’ basic needs as a foundation for fostering community and inclusivity within the college learning environment. By ensuring that these fundamental needs are met, the initiative creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where students can truly feel a strong sense of belonging.

This focus extends to developing and supporting a culture where all employees, including faculty and staff, feel appreciated, engaged, inspired, and supported by their colleagues and the institution. The initiative also offers equitable professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to effectively enhance their abilities to meet student needs.

Ultimately, the Belonging Goal is dedicated to building a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes the well-being and success of every community member.

Living Wage

The Living Wage Goal aims to address the challenges of the changing economic landscape, emphasizing creating pathways to secure living-wage jobs. This initiative emphasizes aligning curriculum and programs to impart skills needed in a new economy characterized by growing artificial intelligence and automation. To achieve this goal, the initiative proposes creating credit and non-credit options that provide comprehensive training support to job seekers.

Finally, the initiative emphasizes developing Baccalaureate Degrees to provide students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in high-paying professions. Overall, the Living Wage Goal seeks to give students and the workforce the education and training necessary to secure living-wage jobs in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Adult Learners

The Adult Learners Goal aims to expand enrollment opportunities for non-traditional age learners, particularly those who have some college education but no degree. This goal recognizes the importance of providing educational opportunities for those who may have previously encountered barriers to higher education. Additionally, the goal seeks to increase Hispanic learner enrollment.

YC’s new strategic initiative to move to 8-week courses and programs should help in attracting adult learners who desire and appreciate the accelerated pace and flexibility. Overall, the Adult Learners Goal seeks to expand access to higher education and lifelong learning opportunities for a diverse group of learners, with a particular focus on those who may have previously faced barriers to educational attainment.

Delivery

The Delivery Goal aims to enhance the delivery of educational programs and increase student success by adopting best-in-class pedagogy and processes. Related initiatives include increasing online enrollment through courses that utilize effective online teaching methods, providing students with a flexible and convenient learning experience. Additionally, this goal seeks to improve students’ ability to complete programs more quickly by offering multiple start dates and fast-track pathways.

Another initiative proposes expanding the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) to reduce the cost of textbooks and other learning materials for students. This goal also aims to improve credit for prior learning systems, recognizing the value of life experiences and non-traditional learning opportunities. Overall, the Delivery Goal seeks to provide students with high-quality educational programs delivered in a manner that supports their success and promotes equitable access to higher education.