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Unlocking Opportunity: Eight Strategies for Community Colleges to Improve Post-Completion Outcomes

By Konrad Mugglestone, Millicent Bender, Tess Henthorne, Tania LaViolet, Kathryn Masterson, Kristin O’Keefe, Kate Williamson, Joshua Wyner, Davis Jenkins, Serena C. Klempin, Hana Lahr & Aurely Garcia Tulloch

Developed by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and Community College Research Center, this practice guide builds on the work of colleges in the Unlocking Opportunity Network to strengthen programs and advising, helping more students graduate with credentials that lead directly to good jobs or successful transfer and attainment of a bachelor’s degree.

The practice guide is designed to help colleges:

  • Strengthen Programs and Advising: Adopt proven strategies that improve student outcomes and post-graduation success.
  • Learn from Case Studies: Explore approaches implemented by pilot Unlocking Opportunity colleges.
  • Implement Actionable Reforms: Use step-by-step guidance to drive meaningful institutional change.

This guide offers practical strategies that can help more students achieve economic mobility and more employers find the regional talent they need.

  • Unlocking Opportunity: The Post-Graduation Success and Equity Network

Download Links

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December 2025

Related Publications

August 2024

Classifying Community College Programs by Post-Completion Success in Transfer and Workforce

Additional Resources

For more policy briefs and fact sheets, visit CCRC’s Policy Resources page.

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