News Summary
Cuyahoga Community College has introduced the Vision 2030 Strategic Transformation Plan, aiming to enhance educational delivery and meet the changing needs of students and employers. Led by President Michael A. Baston, this initiative focuses on improving access and success for approximately 35,000 students across four campuses. The plan emphasizes strengthening community partnerships and addressing challenges such as transportation and food insecurity, which impact student progress and completion.
Cleveland, Ohio – Cuyahoga Community College, known as Tri-C, has launched the Vision 2030 Strategic Transformation Plan, a comprehensive roadmap designed to enhance educational delivery and address the evolving needs of students and employers. This initiative is being spearheaded by Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., who became the fifth president of Tri-C in July 2022.
The Vision 2030 plan is aimed at improving educational access and success for approximately 35,000 students enrolled across Tri-C’s four campuses. The strategy acknowledges the increasing significance of the gig economy and short-term employment opportunities that have emerged in recent years. Baston emphasizes the necessity for educational programs that are responsive to both community needs and regional economic demands.
The college plans to strengthen its role as a significant educational resource within Northeast Ohio, aiming to deepen relationships with local employers and enhance community partnerships. The Vision 2030 plan seeks to amplify Tri-C’s community impact and address challenges faced by both students and the workforce.
In 2026, Baston aims to further his strategy of bolstering community connections, recognizing that collaboration between businesses and educational institutions is crucial for addressing skill gaps in key industries. Tri-C has initiated dialogues aimed at fostering these partnerships, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the local talent pool and promoting economic development.
Enrollment Trends and Support Services
Tri-C’s enrollment statistics indicate a 3.6% increase in freshmen numbers for 2025, with a total of 2,770 freshmen enrolled, following a successful direct admission initiative with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District that resulted in approximately 100 additional graduates choosing Tri-C. Notably, despite a slight dip in overall enrollment figures in 2025, the college experienced a 5% increase in full-time equivalent enrollment, largely attributed to strong summer enrollment numbers.
To further support student success, Tri-C has implemented a continuous enrollment model featuring multiple start dates, which enhances flexibility for students seeking education. Additionally, the college has increased recruitment efforts and expanded support services aimed at assisting students in overcoming common barriers to educational completion. This includes initiatives such as counseling and tutoring to provide comprehensive support.
Financial Support Initiatives
Recognizing the financial challenges that students can face, Tri-C has established the Resilient Scholar Fund following a significant $1 million donation. This fund is dedicated to addressing unexpected expenses that may threaten students’ academic progress, thus helping to ease financial barriers that often hinder enrollment and completion rates.
Addressing Broader Community Needs
The Vision 2030 plan not only focuses on academic success but also aims to eliminate obstacles related to transportation, food insecurity, and childcare that many students experience. By addressing these critical issues, Tri-C seeks to promote a more accessible and supportive educational environment that can meet the diverse needs of its student population.
In summary, under the leadership of Michael A. Baston, the Vision 2030 Strategic Transformation Plan marks a pivotal step for Cuyahoga Community College as it strives to adapt and innovate in response to the changing educational landscape and the demands of the modern workforce. The initiatives outlined in this plan signal an ongoing commitment to fostering student success and strengthening community engagement across Northeast Ohio.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s Cleveland: Lakeland, Lorain See Gains as Tri-C Fall Numbers Dip
- Wikipedia: Cuyahoga Community College
- Cleveland.com: Ohio School Ranked Among Nation’s Most Affordable Colleges
- Google Search: Community College Enrollment Trends
- Shelby Star: State Report Shows Financial Impact on Cleveland Community College
- Google Scholar: Education Community College Initiatives
- Crain’s Cleveland: Lakeland Community College Begins Rebound After Crisis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Cleveland.com: Cleveland High School Seniors Receive Automatic Tri-C Admission Offers
- Google News: Tri-C Enrollment Initiatives
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