Empowering Students of Color in Community College CTE Programs Through Effective Strategies

The Urban Institute's report outlines key strategies to improve retention and support for students of color in community college CTE programs.

Overview of the Initiative

The Career and Technical Education CoLab (CTE CoLab) is an initiative led by the Urban Institute, focused on improving educational and employment opportunities for students of color.

To gather valuable insights, the Urban Institute organized online discussions in February and May 2024 with representatives from four colleges: Chippewa Valley Technical College in Wisconsin, Diablo Valley College in California, Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina, and WSU Tech in Kansas.

The results from these conversations, along with relevant research, will lay the groundwork for an in-person event slated for October 2024, which will bring together college personnel.

The report’s authors believe that the insights gained from these discussions can be immensely beneficial for practitioners and policymakers who aim to develop more effective strategies tailored to the needs of students of color and other underrepresented groups.

Strategies to Foster Equity

The colleges involved have adopted a range of strategies designed to improve the student experience and assist individuals in navigating their academic journeys:

  • Leveraging Data-Driven Insights: By tracking critical metrics like completion and retention rates, alongside conducting student surveys, colleges can better understand their student body’s unique requirements.

    Gathering initial data during orientations can strengthen new students’ connections to available support services.

  • Revamping Orientation Programs: Approaches such as asynchronous online orientations and gathering feedback through student interns can provide essential information about the resources available to incoming students.
  • Enhancing Advising, Mentoring, and Tutoring: Implementing peer mentoring and tutoring programs focused on equity can play a pivotal role in helping students forge meaningful relationships while enhancing their academic experiences.
  • Building on Current Initiatives and Strengths: Working hand-in-hand with campus allies to nurture a culture of support and adaptability is essential for promoting student success.
  • Equipping Faculty for Success: Ensuring that faculty members, especially adjunct instructors, receive thorough professional development and a streamlined onboarding experience is vital.

    This preparation not only makes them familiar with available resources but also fosters a greater sense of belonging among students.

Conclusion

This report emphasizes crucial interventions that can significantly enhance the experiences and outcomes of students of color enrolled in community college CTE programs.

By implementing these strategies, institutions can more effectively address the unique needs of their diverse student populations.

Source: Insidehighered