The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) has received notification that it has been invited to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s (USDOE) ongoing Post-Secondary Success Recognition Program, part of the Department’s “Raise the Bar” Initiative. “Raise the Bar” utilizes institutional data to identify exemplars in building a higher education system that is inclusive, delivers real value to students, and promotes equity and upward mobility. This year, the USDOE has identified ASCC as among 200 institutions nationwide that ensure student success based on key indicators related to equitable access, success, and post-college outcomes. 11 of the 200 institutions selected by the USDOE, including ASCC, are members of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

            In launching the Raise the Bar initiative, U.S Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona shared his personal views on educational opportunities in America. "Some of the most important innovations in higher education today are being driven by institutions that get little glory but are narrowing gaps in access to college opportunity and accelerating their graduates' economic mobility,” reflected Cardona. “I can think of no work more worthy of prestige than putting higher education within the reach of more Americans, and helping our students attain degrees that change their lives — just as mine did for me."

                   The Raise the Bar initiative focuses on three key areas – Supporting Data-Driven Improvement; Recognizing Institutional Success; and Investing in Success at Scale. As part of Recognizing Institutional Success, the USDOE intends to officially recognize selected institutions observed to promote success for all students, including underserved populations, as well as conduct campus visits to see exemplar institutions and programs in action. This recognition, it is important to note, is contingent upon the selected institutions’ successfully completing an application process.

                 For the inaugural year of this program, the USDOE developed a list 200 institutions as initially eligible to apply for the recognition – 100 predominantly bachelor’s-granting institutions and 100 predominantly associate or certificate-granting institutions. This list was based on publicly-available data to measure performance on key indicators related to equitable access, success, and post-college outcomes for students of color and low-income students at public and non-profit institutions across the country. The Department has selected a panel of peer reviewers to score applications and conduct a thorough vetting of finalist institutions to ensure they are not subject to any disqualifying concerns before conferring the recognition.

                  As ASCC prepared its application for USDOE recognition, which has subsequently been submitted, the ACCJC offered its support to the College as well as the other 10 institutions under its purview invited to participate in the “Raise the Bar” initiative. “ASCC’s commitment to students and its performance on key indicators r is inspirational,” wrote ACCJC Vice President Melynie Schiel in a letter to ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Pato. “For that reason, we wish to encourage your application to be recognized by the Department for your efforts.”

            Full details on the Raise the Bar initiative are available on the USDOE webpage at: https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-initiatives/raise-the-bar/raise-the-bar-college-excellence-and-equity.