Tackling Transfer

Return to Community College Transfer

For colleges and universities to fully foster social mobility and develop America’s talent, successful transfer is critical, especially for the more than 8.7 million students enrolled nationally in community colleges. In some ways, transfer practices and policies have improved. But one major challenge remains: Few students who enter community college intending to get a bachelor’s degree ever do.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, HCM Strategists, and Sova are working together to tackle this persistent problem across the country. They are partnering with institutional leaders, policymakers, and practitioners in Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia to dramatically improve transfer outcomes for baccalaureate-seeking students who begin at community colleges.

This comprehensive effort incorporates policy, practice, research, and strategic communications to foster the conditions for scaled and measurable improvements for baccalaureate-seeking transfer students, including the large number of low-income students and students of color who begin their education at community colleges.

The State Partners

Minnesota

In-State Partners: Minnesota State, The Minnesota Education Equity Partnership
Minnesota State Equity 2030
MnEEP: Reducing Racial Disparities in College Completion
Tackling Transfer: Spotlight on Minnesota

Texas

In-State Partner:
Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas-Austin
Texas Transfer Alliance (TTA) Website
TTA Transfer Goals

Virginia

In-State Partner:
Transfer Virginia
Expanded Transfer Virginia Project Elements
2019 Annual Report

Resources

Transfer Ideas:
Articles and Posts

View

Research and Tools
(coming soon)

View

Policy Advisory Board

Meet the Board

The Tackling Transfer Policy Advisory Board will challenge the status quo and make strong and clear recommendations for state transfer policy that will lead to equitable transfer student outcomes.

Board members include:

Marty Alvarado
California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office

Ron Anderson
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

William R. Crowe
Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas, Austin

John Fink
Community College Research Center at Columbia Teachers College

Maria Hesse
Arizona State University

Cheryl Hyman
Arizona State University

Shirleatha Lee
University of South Carolina Upstate

Sharon Morrissey
Virginia Community College System

Elena Quiroz-Livanis
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

Jessie Ryan
Campaign for College Opportunity

Shanna Smith-Jaggars
Ohio State University

Chris Soto
Connecticut State Department of Education