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What is Achieving the Dream (AtD)?

Achieving the Dream, (AtD) is a multiyear, national initiative focused on helping close the gap in achievement and success for community college students. Achieving the Dream encourages colleges to create a culture of evidence, to track and monitor student success, and to develop best practices for serving students.

Achieving the Dream (AtD) works on multiple fronts, including efforts by participating colleges, public policy work and outreach to communities, businesses and the public. It emphasizes the use of data to drive change. The initiative includes 14 national partner organizations, 84 community colleges in 15 states and many dedicated individuals.

NOVA currently has six major AtD initiatives underway.

Learning Communities

Learning Communities consist of a common cohort of students enrolled in linked classes who work together with faculty on shared assignments and learning opportunities.

New Student Orientation (NSO)/Student Orientation Advising & Registration Sessions (SOAR)

orientation NSO is for students and parents to learn about resources for student success at NOVA, get information about transfer resources and paying for college. SOAR sessions are for first-time college students, focusing on understanding placement test results, choosing and registering for courses, payment deadlines.