Advocacy group to celebrate Citrus College's transfer, equity progress

The Campaign for College Opportunity is honoring Citrus College for its efforts to improve degree completion and advance racial equity.

Every year, the California-based nonprofit research and advocacy organization honors community colleges and California State University campuses that are leading the state in conferring associate degrees for transfer (ADTs) and intentionally working to support Black and Latinx students on their path to a degree. Citrus College is one of several institutions that will be celebrated as both a 2022 Champion of Higher Education and an Equity Champion for Excellence in Transfer during a virtual ceremony on Nov. 1, 2022.

"It is an honor for Citrus College to be recognized by the Campaign for College Opportunity, especially when this recognition was made possible by the efforts of our faculty and staff to increase inclusivity and equity on campus," said Dr. Greg Schulz, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "Citrus College is committed to making the dream of higher education a reality for all students. As such, we have been working to develop and strengthen initiatives that will empower our Black and Latinx students to transfer at higher rates. Being labeled a 'Champion of Higher Education' affirms our progress and inspires us to enthusiastically continue this vital work."

Citrus College is one of only three community colleges that will be recognized in the Champion of Higher Education – Associate Degrees for Transfer Relative to Campus Enrollment category.

In addition, Citrus College is one of six community colleges receiving the Equity Champion for Black Students designation and one of 14 community colleges receiving the Equity Champion for Latinx Students designation. These honors are presented to those colleges that had at least 65% of their Black or Latinx graduates receive ADTs, and whose support has enabled these students to perform as well or better in this metric compared to the rest of the student body.

"Not only is it exciting to learn that Citrus College is one of the state's leading community colleges in terms of awarding associate degrees for transfer, but it is also gratifying to know that our Black and Latinx students are succeeding at impressive rates," said Mary Ann Lutz, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "We are grateful that the Campaign for College Opportunity has recognized our work in supporting students as they pursue transfer degrees. It is definitely a team effort involving all of the college's outstanding faculty and staff."