Middlesex Community College announced on Wednesday, March 4 that the college has been designated a 2026 Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility.
“We are honored to be named a Leader College by Achieving the Dream,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “This distinction reflects MCC’s deep commitment to ensuring every student has opportunities to succeed while being a leader within our community. Receiving the award affirms the work of MCC’s faculty, staff and partners, reinforcing our mission of advancing student success and economic mobility across our service areas and within the Commonwealth. Our goal is to provide knowledge, skills and resources that lead to strong student outcomes, as well as a culture of continuous improvement, cross-campus collaboration, and institutional focus to ensuring all students may achieve their academic, career and personal goals.”
Leader Colleges are recognized for meaningful progress in expanding access; improving early momentum metrics, such as retention; advancing relevant student success strategies with evidence of implementation and early results; and growing institutional capacity through culture and capacity-building efforts.
The distinction is a reflection of evidence-based results, according to Daniel Sherman, MCC’s Senior Director of Grant Development. The collegewide efforts of improvement include updated curriculum, increased partnerships with the local workforce, enhanced wraparound support services, and embedded student success data into decisions made at the leadership level.
“Leader Colleges are recognized for achieving measurable gains in outcomes such as course completion, retention, graduation and workforce readiness, while also closing equity gaps for historically underserved students,” said Daniel Sherman, MCC’s Senior Director of Grant Development. “By using data to identify barriers and redesign pathways in programs such as math and nursing, we expanded access, improved persistence, and strengthened connections between education and career opportunities. Ultimately, this recognition reflects MCC’s role as an engine of economic mobility and community advancement.”
MCC has been part of the ATD Network since 2021.
“The 2026 Leader Colleges demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, President and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices, and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD Network, reflecting the focus, discipline, and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.”
About Achieving the Dream
Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more. ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes – so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers.
Follow ATD on X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream (ATD) website.
About Middlesex Community College
Middlesex Community College is proud to serve the communities of Greater Bedford and Lowell. One of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC meets each learner where they are. MCC is celebrating 55 years of impact and 10 years as an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Find your fit at MCC!