PCCC Named a 2025 Achieving the Dream Leader College

Passaic County Community College (PCCC) announced today that it has been designated a Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility in their communities.

“PCCC is proud of its long-time status as a Leader College within the Achieving the Dream Network of Community Colleges,” said Dr. Steven Rose, president of PCCC. “This recognition represents a whole-college commitment to excellence in helping our students achieve their educational and career goals and to complete their certificates and degrees in a timely manner.”

Leader Colleges play an important role in accelerating the adoption of effective practices within the ATD Network and across higher education. They are recognized for the quality of their work in whole-college reform, resulting in increased completion rates for all students. Leader Colleges develop innovative ways to work with other colleges to share knowledge and facilitate an exchange of ideas about evidence-based reform strategies. 

 PCCC is part of the ATD Network, made up of 300+ colleges committed to supporting student success at their institutions and promoting economic vitality throughout their communities. PCCC has been a member of the ATD Network since 2011.

“We are proud to recognize our 2025 Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction for their extraordinary commitment to student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “These colleges exemplify excellence within the ATD Network, achieving measurable gains in student outcomes and fostering impactful change within their institutions and communities. Their dedication to using data-informed approaches to create meaningful opportunities for students and their communities serves as a powerful example for all institutions of higher education and especially for those in the ATD Network.”

About Achieving the Dream  

Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides 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. ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows 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 ATD on X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream (ATD) website: www.achievingthedream.org.

About Passaic County Community College

For over 50 years, Passaic County Community College (PCCC) has been providing affordable excellence in higher education and cultural opportunity to residents of Passaic County. Since its beginnings in 1971, with a single campus in Paterson, New Jersey, PCCC has added locations in Wanaque, Passaic, and Wayne and also offers a robust online program.  Today, PCCC enrolls over 10,000 students in more than eighty (80) associate degree and certificate programs plus, an extensive program of English as a Second Language, continuing education, and workforce development and training. Named a NASA Partner College and an Achieving the Dream Leader College, PCCC is also a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Minority Serving Institution (MSI), and JED Campus Member.  Follow PCCC on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).  To learn more, visit the PCCC website:  www.pccc.edu

Photo: Accepting the ATD 2025 Leader College Recognition Plaque (LtoR): Leah Johnson, Associate Vice President/Dean of Students/Student Affairs; Nancy Silvestro, Executive Director for Teaching & Learning/ Academic Affairs; Patricia G. Medeiros, Director for the PCCC Passaic Academic Center.