Front Range Community College Joins National Advising Program to Strengthen Student Support

Front Range Community College will participate in a selective national training program designed to redesign advising models and improve student completion rates, the institution announced November 18.

FRCC was selected to join Achieving the Dream's Strengthening Advising Seminar Series, an invitation-only cohort program that brings together colleges nationwide to implement evidence-based strategies for helping students navigate academic pathways and overcome barriers to graduation. The program runs from fall 2025 through spring 2026.

The selection connects FRCC to national expertise and peer institutions working to transform traditional advising from course scheduling to comprehensive student support that addresses academic, career and personal obstacles.

Program Structure and Timeline

The eight-module seminar series provides participating colleges with tools, coaching and peer learning opportunities to redesign advising practices. Topics include holistic student support, equity-driven advising, career pathways integration, assessment methods and faculty engagement in the advising process.

Achieving the Dream, founded in 2004, operates a network of nearly 200 community colleges across more than 30 states. The nonprofit organization focuses on helping institutions develop data-informed practices and eliminate systemic barriers to student success, particularly for underrepresented populations.

Independent evaluations by the Aspen Institute and research centers have recognized Achieving the Dream's effectiveness in institutional transformation, particularly in policy alignment and integrated student support systems. Participating colleges have reported improvements of five to ten percentage points in retention and completion rates, though outcomes vary based on local implementation.

FRCC President Colleen Simpson said the program aligns with institutional priorities. "Advising is at the heart of helping students complete their collegial path, and this opportunity allows us to reimagine how we support every learner," Simpson said in the announcement. "By strengthening our advising model, we are ensuring that students don't just navigate college, but that they thrive, graduate and move forward with confidence into their futures."

Current Advising Challenges

FRCC serves approximately 20,000 students across four campuses in Larimer, Weld and Boulder counties, with over 40 percent qualifying for Pell Grants and about 37 percent identifying as first-generation college students, according to institutional data. The student body includes substantial numbers of working adults and learners from underrepresented communities.

The college currently reports a three-year graduation rate of approximately 33 percent for first-time, full-time degree-seeking students, according to federal IPEDS data. First-year retention stands at about 62 percent for full-time students and 48 percent for part-time students.

These figures place FRCC near the top of Colorado community college peers, where statewide three-year graduation rates average 27 to 34 percent, according to Colorado Community College System data. The national average three-year graduation rate for public two-year colleges is 29 percent.

FRCC advisors currently serve caseloads averaging 500 to 800 students per advisor, above the 300 to 350 students per full-time advisor recommended by national advising associations for community colleges serving at-risk populations.

Kyla Antony, FRCC associate vice president of enrollment and retention, said the program addresses identified needs. "Our students need more than course scheduling. They deserve a trusted team that sees them as whole people, understands their goals and proactively helps them overcome barriers," Antony said. "This opportunity will help us bring advising to the next level, ensuring every student feels supported from day one through graduation."

Regional Workforce Context

Improved completion rates at FRCC directly affect Northern Colorado's ability to meet workforce demands in healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing and business services. Regional economic development agencies identify these sectors as critical areas experiencing skills gaps.

FRCC was selected in November as the only Colorado institution to join Complete College America's Accelerator program, another national initiative focused on improving graduation rates through evidence-based strategies.

The Colorado Community College System Strategic Plan identifies strengthening student advising and support systems as a priority for increasing credential completion and workforce alignment. State and regional agencies emphasize that higher community college completion leads to increased workforce participation and local economic resilience.

Gabriel Castaño, FRCC vice president for enrollment management and student success, said the advising program provides tools for personalized support. "Students arrive with big dreams, but also with real challenges. By being data-informed, we can create a holistic model of advising that is personalized and proactive," Castaño said. "Through every advising interaction, we can make sure those dreams turn into diplomas and lifelong success."

Implementation Strategy

FRCC plans to use the program to provide individualized advising experiences tailored to students' academic and personal journeys, build collaborative connections between student and academic affairs, anticipate student needs through early intervention strategies, and ensure advising practices are inclusive and accessible.

The college has previously participated in national student success initiatives including TRIO programs and the Gateway to College program. Recent efforts include opening a community dental clinic and addressing transit access concerns affecting the Larimer campus.

Anne Marie Jacobson, FRCC dean for social sciences, education and public service, said the program provides access to national expertise. "Our team is energized by the opportunity to exchange ideas, test new models and bring forward practices that make a tangible difference for students," Jacobson said.

The initiative aligns with FRCC's strategic plan Forward, Together, which runs through 2030 and focuses on learning without limits, success for every learner, vibrant culture, college excellence and transformational partnerships.

For more information about FRCC programs and services, visit frontrange.edu.