Santa Monica College has been recognized as a 2025 Pathway Champion by the Campaign for College Opportunity for its campus-wide growth in Associate Degrees for Transfer.
The bipartisan nonprofit honored SMC in the "Pathway Champion of Transfer" category alongside 40 California Community Colleges and California State University campuses. The recognition celebrates efforts to implement equitable placement policies and Associate Degree for Transfer programs that simplify the path between community colleges and CSUs.
SMC joined Victor Valley College and Mira Costa College as top community colleges supporting the largest growth in students earning Associate Degrees for Transfer between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years.
"Our multiracial democracy and economy require us to support the growing majority of diverse students to complete college and earn a degree," said Jessie Ryan, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity.
The honor recognizes achievement in placement and transfer outcomes across four categories. Historically, transferring from community college to a four-year university faced systemic barriers, with only 7% of transfer-intending students able to transfer within two years prior to 2015.
Thanks to implementation of Associate Degree for Transfer and placement policies, more students are transferring faster. Currently, 10% of community college students transfer within two years and 19% after four years.
"So many at Santa Monica College have worked tirelessly to streamline the pathway for our students to the CSU university of their choice," said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery. "This honor belongs to them!"
Community colleges serve nearly two-thirds of California's college students beginning their higher education journey, making transfer pathway improvements vital to the state's future.
More information is available at collegecampaign.org.
Edited by SMDP Staff