Moorpark College has been named a 2023 Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer by The Campaign for College Opportunity (CCO). This recognition acknowledges the college’s exemplary work in advancing the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, a vital pathway that simplifies the transfer process for students and increases student success rates.
During the live honoree announcement on Nov. 1, the CCO revealed the 27 California Community Colleges and California State University campuses that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving transfer rates for students. Of the 27 institutions recognized, only 12 community colleges, including Moorpark, were acknowledged for excellence in transfer rates.
"Moorpark College strives to provide our students with clear pathways to success” said Dr. Julius Sokenu, President of Moorpark College. “It is an honor to be named a 2023 Champion of Higher Education alongside other institutions who are going above and beyond in their commitment to ensuring equity in transfer. Supporting our students’ completion of ADTs is one of the ways in which we fulfill our promise to prepare our students for transfer so they can earn their degree and achieve career success.”
Moorpark College consistently ranks as one of the top community colleges in the state for transfer and completion of ADTs. Additionally, 59% of students who transfer from Moorpark College earn their bachelor’s degree, a rate significantly higher than the national average of 47% completion.
As a Hispanic Serving Institution, Moorpark College commits itself to high standards for transfer success as a part of a greater initiative to promote equity in student achievement. Hispanic students in the California Community College System have an average transfer rate of 20%, in comparison to a rate of 33% among white students. At Moorpark College, 39% of Hispanic students transfer to a university within 3 years, a metric the college aims to increase to 53% by the year 2025. The implementation of the ADT program has supported the college’s efforts to eradicate barriers to transfer for Hispanic students.
First signed into law in 2010, the Associates Degree for Transfer Program is a joint program between the California Community Colleges and the California State University system that guarantees admission to a CSU campus for community college students that have completed the degree program requirements. Championed by The CCO for eliminating barriers to transfer, the ADT program has been instrumental in supporting students on their journey to transfer to four-year institutions. This initiative has not only made the transfer process easier for students, but has also proven effective at closing historical equity gaps in transfer for disproportionately impacted students and students of color.
The official award ceremony for the Champions of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer will take place on Nov. 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. For more information about Moorpark College and its commitment to excellence in education and transfer, please visit the Moorpark College website.