New Directions Nominated for Award

"The space is small, but the outcomes are large"

Twenty-five years ago, New Directions (then called Women in Transition) transferred its first student to Mount Holyoke College, opening a new world for students who never before imagined that such a trajectory was possible for them. Since that time, HCC has continued to transfer students every year to institutions such as Mount Holyoke and Smith..

New Directions provides support services to non-traditional women students, including returning students, young mothers, and women who have served in the military. Along with transfer guidance, the program assists students with everything from pre-admissions counseling and enrollment, to academic advising and career exploration..

As a result of its success, New Directions has been nominated for the 2010 Bellwether Award, administered annually by the Community College Futures Assembly. Bellwether Awards recognizes outstanding and innovative programs and practices by leaders among community colleges.

Deborah Levenson, director of New Directions, said the nomination “is really quite an honor. It means New Directions is on the radar as an innovative program."

Innovations include a unique partnership with the Pathways program, which supports HCC students exploring transfer to selective liberal arts colleges. Under the direction of Irma Medina, Pathways has significantly expanded the number and diversity of students involved with such transfers.

With support from former HCC professor Dr. Elaine Marieb, a dedicated workshop and study center for New Directions and Pathways students opened last year.

"The space is small, but the outcomes are large," observed Levenson.

The Elaine Marieb New Pathways Center has become a hub of activity and community among students from both programs. One result is that New Directions students are introduced to transfer opportunities at an early stage, and interact with students exploring and preparing for transfer through the Pathways program. Even those who may never entertain transfer to the most selective schools are nonetheless encouraged to think about their plans beyond graduation and explore new possibilities.

Bellwether Award finalists will be named by the end of November, with the award recipient announced in January at the Community College Futures Assembly conference in Orlando, Fla.

Shown above, Dr. Elaine Marieb (left) chats with a student at a recent reception celebrating the opening of the Marieb Center, while Deborah Levenson (center) and Irma Medina (far left) look on.

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