Advancing Racial Equity
At the heart of our mission is an unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for the most underserved members of our communities and dismantling the structural factors that can serve as obstacles to access and success. We recognize that closing persistent equity gaps demands an innovative approach and the courage of our convictions, and while we still have a long way to go, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made. This year, we launched a variety of innovative programs and community partnerships designed to increase access, foster an inclusive environment, and help create a more equitable world. • Recognizing the vital importance of a hands-on, individual approach, we created new staff roles on campus that allow us to expand holistic support for Black, Latino/a/x and Asian American and Pacific Islander students and strengthen our connections in low-income and minoritized communities. For example, our new assistant director of enrollment for equity outreach is strengthening our connections with our most underserved communities. • A key focus of those efforts is the Emory Williams Academy for Black Men, a new program designed to foster success through mentoring, scholarships and designated staff support. In fall 2022, the program welcomed an inaugural class of 28 scholars. More than 75% of those scholars persisted to the following semester, and more than half continued the following fall.
• Four Oakton students spent three transformative weeks in Ghana as part of the College’s study abroad program. They took courses on Ghanaian history and literature, explored historical sites and immersed themselves in cultural experiences. Funding from the Oakton College Educational Foundation and other organizations was instrumental in making the trip possible. • Course offerings and certificate programs in areas such as Jewish Studies and Peace and Social Justice Studies empower students to explore equity from a variety of perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. • A series of culturally based “teen summits” brought hundreds of teenagers from Black and Latino/a/x communities to campus to learn about our programs and resources. By showcasing our welcoming community and celebrating diverse cultural identities, these events send a message to students that they belong here.
“There is a history of disenfranchisement in higher education for our most underserved communities. I’m proud that our outreach efforts help students enroll and support them throughout their trajectory here so they can enter the workforce.” –Ella Whitehead Assistant Director of Enrollment for Equity Outreach
14 2023 Annual Report | oakton.edu
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