Passaic County Community College Named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction

Paterson NJ – Passaic County Community College (PCCC) announced today that it has been designated a 2026 Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility.

PCCC is among only 32 community colleges nationwide that were recognized this year as an ATD Leadership College of Distinction. Of those, 13 received the recognition for the first time, and 19 – including PCCC – previously received the honor and are recognized again this year.

 “We are thrilled to be recognized as a Leader College of Distinction by the ATD Network of Community Colleges,” said PCCC President, Dr. Steven M. Rose. “This recognition demonstrates our unwavering commitment to student success for all PCCC students.  We are continually striving to improve our programs and services for students, and this recognition validates the dedication of administrators, faculty, and staff to make PCCC a premier community college in New Jersey and nationwide.” 

This year’s ATD Leader College of Distinction institutions and the 36 ATD Leader Colleges were celebrated at the DREAM 2026 Champions of Change luncheon held on March 4 in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Javier Rabelo, PCCC Dean for Mathematics and Technology, accepted the trophy from on behalf of the College.

ATD created the Leader College of Distinction designation in 2018 to recognize institutions that have demonstrated sustained excellence in advancing student success outcomes over time. Leader Colleges of Distinction must demonstrate sustained and expanding success in early momentum metrics, such as course success rates and student retention, as well as in milestone momentum outcomes, such as rates of completion; a strong culture of data-informed continuous improvement; and evidence that effective practices are institutionalized. These colleges advance student success strategies that respond to their local context with emphasis on students who are missing or left behind.

PCCC has been part of the ATD Network since 2011 and was first named a Leader College of Distinction in 2018.   The Leader College and Leader College of Distinction designations are for three years, after which time institutions may apply to be recertified and once again undergo rigorous evaluation.

“The 2026 Leader Colleges of Distinction demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices, and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD Network, reflecting the focus, discipline, and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.”

Learn more about ATD at Passaic County Community College

About PCCC
For over 50 years, Passaic County Community College has offered Passaic County residents the opportunity for a high-quality, cost-effective, college education in a holistic student-centered environment. Today, we operate four campus locations in Paterson, Wanaque, Passaic, and Wayne (Public Safety Training Facility), each equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Plus, PCCC offers students 80 degree and career certificate programs, an award-winning faculty, Continuing Education and Workforce Development, and community-based programs. One of the most diverse colleges in the state, PCCC is also designated as an Achieving the Dream (ATD) Leader of Distinction College.  For more information, visit pccc.edu

About Achieving the Dream
Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on our expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, we provide institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more. We call this Whole College Transformation. Our vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. We know that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. Follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn.

For more information, please contact Linda Telesco: [email protected]; 973-684-6603
Photo: Courtesy of Achieving the Dream