Institution Pasadena City College State California Academic Level Associate Issue Area Academic Program Website http://www.pasadena.edu/pathways/ Key Personnel Brock Klein Program Focus First Year Support Overview Pasadena City College Pathways First Year Experience (PCC Pathways FYE) Center aims to serve students throughout their stay at the college by providing support in and out of the classroom. The center dedicated to students of color, many of who are under-prepared for college-level work. It does so by providing students with the courses they need and comprehensive, wrap-around support services. PCC Pathways FYE Center's goals include Engagement with the campus community, Effective use of resources, Successful completion of academic goals in a timely manner, and Increased knowledge of the major/career relationship. Program Description In 2010 Pasadena City College’s research office reported on a cohort of developmental education students who were tracked for six years. Findings revealed that almost 20% dropped out in their first year and that 65% had no discernible milestone. In 2011, in response to the dismal findings, PCC created PCC Pathways FYE Center. The program components include a Summer Bridge program, priority registration, and access to the student success team. The Summer Bridge program has JAM, a one-week, no-cost orientation program, which serves as the entry point to college and the program. The priority registration offered to students helps guide and register students for their English and math courses and full-time standing. The Student Success Team provides counselors, coaches, and peer tutors. Outcome Research reveals that PCC Pathways is closing the achievement gap for Latino students and moving students closer to completion. For the Fall 2012 cohort (Pathways Latino n=620; non-Pathways Latino n=2,053): Latino Pathways students earned more credits in year 1 compared to Latino non-Pathways students (18.6 vs. 7.8 credits). Latino Pathways students persisted to year 2 at higher rates compared to Latino non-Pathways students (81% vs. 37%). After three years, a significantly higher proportion of Latino students in Pathways achieved transfer-prepared status compared to non-Pathways Latino students (15% vs. 4%) Course taking data reveals that PCC Pathways students appear to be progressing through developmental math sequence at a faster rate than other first-year students. Learn more about Latino College Completion in California Return to Growing What Works Database
