Six institutions nationwide have been selected as finalists for the prestigious 2008 MetLife Foundation Community College Excellence Award.

The finalists are Harry S. Truman College of Chicago, Minneapolis Community and Technical College in Minnesota, Queensborough Community College in New York, South Texas College, Community College of Baltimore County in Maryland, and Yakima Valley Community College in Washington.

The MetLife Foundation Community College Excellence Award honors institutions that are effective in helping students from under-represented populations to succeed in postsecondary education. Every two years, the award goes to two colleges that make significant institutional commitments to helping first-time college-goers, new immigrants, working adults, welfare recipients, and other populations with limited college experience and success prepare for further education or for a family-supporting career.
 
“We are proud to recognize these community colleges for doing their part to increase college success for under-represented students,” says MetLife Foundation President and CEO Sibyl Jacobson. “Our nation needs every community college student, particularly those from low-income and minority groups, to succeed in their educational programs. These colleges have set ambitious goals for themselves and their students, and they are making real progress in supporting student success. Their efforts are inspiring.”

In April 2008, at the annual meeting of the American Association of Community Colleges, two colleges will receive the MetLife Foundation Award and $30,000. The winners must demonstrate that they have innovative strategies for improving student outcomes, the ability to carry out those strategies, and the evidence that they are showing results for a significant number of students.
 
“The goal is to highlight colleges that not only create supportive learning environments on campus, but that are committed to continuous improvement over time in improving student outcomes, particularly for the students who traditionally have the hardest time staying with and succeeding in their chosen educational programs so they can succeed in the economy and in life,” says Marlene Seltzer, president and CEO of Jobs for the Future, which administers the awards. “Since 2002, this award and the achievements of the finalists and winners have inspired other institutions to follow their lead.”

MetLife Foundation, established in 1976 by MetLife, has contributed more than $90 million to education programs that cultivate effective learning environments, including community colleges dedicated to lowering dropout rates, raising enrollment, and fostering the academic accomplishments of all students. For more on MetLife Foundation, go to http://www.metlife.org.

Jobs for the Future is a leading innovator in strategies to improve education and career opportunities for youth and low-skilled workers nationwide. Learn more at http://www.jff.org.