County College of Morris selected as one of 10 finalists in Lumina Million Dollar Grant Challenge
RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – Further attesting to its growing national reputation, County College of Morris (CCM) is now one of 10 colleges nationwide – and the only one in New Jersey – to have been selected as a finalist by Lumina Foundation in its Million Dollar Community College Challenge.
A national grant competition to assist two-year institutions with brand building and marketing, the challenge is designed to help community colleges to connect with adult students who need a college degree or short-term credential. As a finalist, CCM is now in the running for the million-dollar grand prize, along with technical assistance, to support its marketing and branding initiatives. The grand prize winner will be announced in August. Each of the remaining nine finalists will receive $100,000 to support its branding and marketing, along with technical assistance.
“The Million Dollar Community College Challenge is all about promoting the opportunities at community colleges and connecting adults to higher education,” said Shauna David, strategy director for community college participation at Lumina. “The 10 finalists each submitted a compelling vision for making vital campus-to-community connections and creative ideas for promoting their college’s brand.”
“We’re delighted to have been selected by such a prestigious national organization and to have our marketing efforts supported and recognized,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president. “Reaching the adult market is an essential part of a community college’s mission, in that we offer the flexibility and affordability that is needed to improve one’s life when there are so many other competing responsibilities, such as work and family. We applaud Lumina for providing additional support so more people can reach for their dreams.”
Also selected as finalists were the College of Eastern Idaho, Community College of Rhode Island, Great Falls College, Houston Community College, Long Beach City College, Madera Community College, Madison Area Technical College, Minnesota State College Southeast, Montana State University and Northwest-Shoals Community College.
To move to the next stage in the challenge, each of the finalist is required to develop a creative brief and a video narrative that communicates what the college promises adult students.
Lumina is an independent, private foundation based in Indianapolis committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. It envisions a system that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nation’s need for talent through a broad range of credentials. Its goal is to prepare people for informed citizenship and for success in a global economy.
CCM is currently ranked #1 in New Jersey for best associate degrees and in the top 1.8 percent of the best community colleges nationwide by Intelligent. The college continues to maintain its #1 position in the state in PayScale’s “Best Community Colleges in New Jersey by Salary Potential,” a distinction it has held for five years in a row.
