Santa Maria, Calif. – Alan Hancock College has been selected as a recipient of the 2023 American Council on Education (ACE) Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation.
This award is given to institutions that “respond to challenges in higher education in innovative and creative ways.”
Representatives from the college went to Washington, D.C., to accept the award.
They accepted $10,000 on Friday, April 14th.
The other recipient was Texas Women’s College.
“Alan Hancock College and Texas Woman’s University are excellent examples of the efforts our institutions are making to increase access to higher education and meet the needs of a more diverse student body,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell.
Alan Hancock College is a recipient of the Credit Where Credit’s Due Program Award.
It is an automated program that has changed the process of awarding degrees and certificates.
The algorithm searches for students who are close to graduating and awards degrees to them without having to apply for graduation.
In the first year of the program, students’ earnings increased by 22%.
“Credit Where Credit’s Due Program reminds us that relatively simple shifts in action can eliminate barriers with important life-changing outcomes for students,” said Hancock President Kevin Walthers.
“This is just one example of how college departments can work together and change possibilities for our students.”