Rockland Community College Awarded $3M Grant

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Rockland Community College (RCC) has been awarded a $3-million Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support the development and implementation of RCC’s five Academic Schools model and increase participation and improve retention. This grant is the largest received in the college’s 60-year history.

“As a recipient of this significant grant, Rockland Community College will be able to continue on the transformative path of reimagining programs, support services and instructional approaches based on ‘Guided Pathways’ which is reflected in our new model of 5 Academic Schools. With this funding, we will be able to ensure that every student who enters RCC will develop an academic and career plan that will allow them to be successful in their studies, become ‘real-world ready’, graduate and go on to pursue a career of their choice. I want to thank everyone who was a part of the writing team that helped us secure this grant, in particular Congresswoman Nita Lowey for her support. This labor of love has brought us to this point, and we will prove that the ‘Can Do College’ can do it!” states Dr. Michael Baston, president of Rockland Community College.

The five Schools at RCC will ensure that students have a structured academic path with critical embedded support services which will enable them to further their career and academic goals. RCC graduates will be real-world ready: able to think critically, communicate effectively and use their social capital and consciousness to contribute to the betterment of the community.

RCC is one of only 40 institutions across the county to receive this U.S. Department of Education grant. These grants assist schools in which a minimum of 25 percent of the total enrollment is Hispanic. A celebration in honor of this milestone took place at the college on October 8, 2019. More information about the college can be found here: www.sunyrockland.edu.

Featured

  • Elevating Campus Maintenance: How Power Wash Drones are Transforming Educational Facilities

    As today’s campuses grow larger and more architecturally complex, keeping exteriors clean, safe, and inviting has never been tougher. Facilities leaders are under constant pressure to stretch budgets, meet safety standards, and support sustainability goals—all while tackling the stubborn challenge of exterior cleaning.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

  • The Role of Unified Communications in Hyflex Education

    Academic technology and pedagogy have evolved in ways few could have imagined a decade ago. Today, hybrid/flexible (or hyflex) learning environments — a mix of in-person and remote instruction — are the new normal. However, as promising as it sounds, making hyflex work smoothly is no small feat.

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.

Digital Edition