Western Michigan University/Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Forging Partnerships for Success/Project FOCUS
Nominated by: Maxine Filling/Jackie Cantrell

Project FOCUSs is a partnership program between Western michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The partnership program is funded by a state grant directed at increasing the number of underrepresented minority students who transfer from community colleges to four year institutions to obtain the bachelors degree. 

As a result of the combined efforts of WMU and KVCC, the number of underrepresented minority students transferring from KVCC to WMU continues to show significant improvement over the five years preceding the implementation of this program (1985-1989). In addition, a recent Partnership Annual Report on student enrollment and retention shows an increase in the number of students taking advantage of the numerous support services and resources available on both campuses. 

The components of this program model are as follows: 1) initial screening and assessment; 2) a new student orientation program and freshman transition seminar; 3) an academic monitoring system; 4) core developmental courses; 5) supplemental instruction and targeted tutoring; 6) placement in a transfer seminar the semester prior to transferring to WMU; 7) an incentive scholarship and awards program. 

The historical achievement of this partnership suggests that a highly structured advising program is effective in helping students attain their educational goals. 

Shared Counselor Program
North Harris College
Nominated by Vicki Stanfield

The Shared Counselor Partnership Program is a comprehensive student services system, developed by the North Harris College (NHC) in collaboration with its two service area school districts, Aldine Independent School District (ISD) and Spring ISD, to facilitate the successful transition of high school students into post secondary education programs.  The program's goals maximize the availability of NHC students services to members of special populations; as well as vocational-technical students, gifted students, and those at risk of failing or dropping out of school.  The program's focus resulted from a pilot project and related research identifying the optimum delivery of services in the areas of college assessment, orientation, admission, registration, financial aid, personnel guidance, academic advising, career exploration, and individual goal development. 

Now in its fifth year of operation, the program has far exceeded the partners' expectations for effectiveness in bridging the gap for students at risk of not furthering their education beyond high school.  Shared counselor-college advisors, funded and supported by both the college and school district, provide the ongoing and individualized support known to be essential to college success.  This support results in an increased number of high school students gaining access to college, persisting and re-enrolling than in previous years.  The developmental program acquaints eighth graders with the nature and purpose of higher education, continues through high school to help students clarify their values and goals and to realize their maximum educational benefits, and culminates in college registration and "first year" activities. 

The leadership model is attracting attention statewide and nationally.  Montgomery College, the newest sister college in NHMCCD, included the share counselor component as part of its maiden organizational plan.  The Shared Counselor Partnership Tool Kit has been instrumental in the design of programs at Brazosport Community College and South Texas Community College.  Locally, an adaptation of the shared counselor job description was developed to serve three additional schools in the college's service area.  High school-college partnerships will forge the future in comprehensive, coordinated student services systems by providing the ongoing and individualized support know to be essential to college success for all students.  The Shared Counselor Partnership Program receives full support from its partners and reports significant gains in the enrollment and retention of students served by the program.