The SUCCESS (Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services) program was established in Massachusetts to provide wraparound support services to community college students facing systemic barriers. The program focuses on serving historically underserved populations, including economically disadvantaged, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ students. The report submitted to the Massachusetts Legislature outlines the progress made in implementing the program, detailing the distribution of funds, services provided, and participant demographics. In FY23, the number of students served by SUCCESS nearly doubled, reaching an estimated 8,657 students, with a significant emphasis on proven practices that enhance student outcomes.
The funding for SUCCESS is allocated based on a formula that considers the needs of each community college, ensuring that all 15 colleges receive support to serve their student populations effectively. The report highlights the various services offered, such as academic advising, coaching, and mentoring, with a focus on hiring dedicated staff to provide these supports. Additionally, the evaluation plan includes metrics for assessing the program's effectiveness, such as retention and graduation rates. The report emphasizes the collaborative nature of the initiative, involving multiple stakeholders to track progress and share best practices across campuses.