Highland Community College has been recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona as one of the top 100 two-year colleges in the nation as part of the prestigious “Raise the Bar” initiative. With over 1,100 community colleges across the country that award certificates and associate degrees, this honor highlights institutions that excel in empowering students to transform their lives through education and workforce development. Highland Community College takes pride in being among this distinguished group, reaffirming its commitment to student success and career advancement.

Through the Postsecondary Success Recognition Program launched in April 2024, the Department of Education identified these top institutions using publicly available data to measure performance on key indicators related to equitable access, success, and post-college outcomes. Metrics considered include the enrollment of low-income students and students of color, successful graduation or transfer rates, and preparation for careers that ensure upward mobility, including recouping costs and earning more than high school graduates. In introducing the Raise the Bar initiative, Secretary Cardona emphasized the importance of two-year institutions like HCC. The initiative calls on America’s colleges and universities to improve completion rates, close gaps, and fulfill higher education’s promise of upward mobility for all students. This recognition affirms HCC’s efforts to support its mission of providing lifelong learning opportunities and enhancing the quality of life in the communities it serves through economic development.