College of the Redwoods Honored as a Pathway Champion for Advancing Student Success

Published on Nov 3 2025

On Oct. 23, the Campaign for College Opportunity recognized 40 California Community Colleges and California State Universities as Pathway Champions for their efforts in creating pathways to college and economic opportunity for thousands of students by strengthening the transfer process.

College of the Redwoods was honored in the category of Black Transfer-Level English Success, ranking among the top three California Community Colleges supporting the highest percentage of Black students to complete a transfer-level English course within one year of initial enrollment during the 2023–24 academic year.

The Pathway Champions awards celebrate campuses for their work implementing two landmark policies: maximizing student success in transfer-level courses at California Community Colleges and implementing the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) pathway, which has simplified the transfer process to California State Universities. These reforms help students succeed in courses that count toward their transfer goals and place them on an expedited, guaranteed path to a four-year degree, particularly benefiting Latinx and Black students who have historically faced disproportionate barriers to degree completion.

Supporting higher education is vital to California’s future, especially at community colleges, where nearly two-thirds of the state’s students begin their higher education journey. Historically, only 7 percent of transfer-intending students were able to transfer within two years prior to 2015. Since then, thanks to the implementation of ADT and equitable placement policies, 10 percent of current community college students now transfer within two years, and 19 percent transfer within four years.

"This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students," said CR President Dr. Keith Flamer. "It reflects College of the Redwoods’ commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring students have the support they need to succeed in transfer-level courses and beyond."

College of the Redwoods is proud to be recognized among California’s leading colleges advancing equity and fostering student success.