FEBRUARY 1, 2021

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I’ve been asked a lot this month if I am hopeful. Many of us are excited that advances in public health policy and vaccinations finally offer a path to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. And that new federal administration and states' leadership, including SSTF systems leaders, legislators, and governors, will offer opportunities to advance policy and benefit students at all levels–especially for those pursuing higher education.

Yes, I am hopeful. But I am also motivated and engaged to convert hope into a fuel that propels us to action.

As we roll forward into legislative sessions, academic terms, and the rhythms of practice that accompany our work, I hope that you too can be motivated and engaged. That you continue to pursue with gusto the path we are on as a network to ensure that all our students benefit equally from the promise of postsecondary education and developmental education reforms, like the individuals we celebrate below.

Onward,

Brian A. Sponsler, Ed.D.
Interim Director, Strong Start to Finish
Vice President, Education Commission of the States

Read Brian's Full Remarks

People in the Reform

Aisha Lowe’s dedication to equity drives her work as the Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Support for the California Community Colleges (CCC). In this capacity, Lowe plays a pivotal role in the work CCC is doing to lower barriers to equitable student success as part of the Strong Start to Finish network.

“What has fueled my focus on education and my passion for equity is seeing the difference an education can make, for the community college students we serve, and by living it myself, as an African-American child in San Francisco’s school system.”

Read her full story in our latest People in the Reform and learn about progress in the California system to increase equitable outcomes for all college students.

Leadership Growth

We're excited that higher education leaders are stepping into new positions with energy to move the SSTF work ahead:

Renée Davis is now Director of Student Affairs at the Nevada System of Higher Education
Richard Riccardi is now Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education
Tom Sudkamp is now Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the Ohio Department of Higher Education

Our Network is Gathering

We're looking forward to our upcoming Learning Network Convening: Transformation Over Time on March 3 and 4! Attendees from our network will gain insights into the successes and challenges of scaling equitable developmental education reforms, and find out how to put best practices and emergent learnings into action. They’ll take part in small-group dialogues with experts and peers on new approaches, tools, and ways of working together.

Speakers will include:

Estela Bensimon, University of California Center for Urban Education
Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College
Jennifer Keup, National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition
Tom Sudkamp, Ohio Department of Higher Education
Robert Todd and Tristan Denley, University System of Georgia
Mari Watanabe-Rose, City University of New York

We're planning some compelling programs around:

COVID-19 impacts on development education
Embracing a growth mindset
Thinking through emergent challenges
Working with virtual corequisites
Updates from the SSTF sites
Hearing from our funders
And more!

Please contact us for more event information.

Our mailing address is:
700 Broadway, Suite 810
Denver, Colorado 80203-3442

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