Anne Arundel Community College Named 2026 Leader College

National organization Achieving the Dream recognizes AACC for student success strategies and institutional capacity building.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:10pm

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Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) has been named a 2026 Leader College by Achieving the Dream, a national organization focused on advancing community colleges. The designation recognizes AACC's progress in expanding access, improving student success strategies, and building institutional capacity. AACC has been part of the Achieving the Dream network since 2010 and was previously named a Leader College in 2018 and a Leader College of Distinction in 2021.

Why it matters

The Achieving the Dream Leader College designation is a prestigious national recognition that highlights AACC's commitment to student success and its role as a leader in the community college sector. This achievement demonstrates AACC's focus on data-driven decision making, continuous improvement, and deepening its impact in the local community.

The details

In addition to the Leader College recognition, AACC also highlighted Victor Aigbedion, a Glen Burnie High School student dually enrolled at AACC, who became the first high school student ever named a DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream. The scholarship includes financial support, leadership development, and mentorship.

  • AACC has been part of the Achieving the Dream network since 2010.
  • AACC was previously named a Leader College in 2018 and a Leader College of Distinction in 2021.
  • AACC was named a 2026 Leader College in March 2026.

The players

Anne Arundel Community College

A public community college located in Arnold, Maryland, serving over 15,000 students annually.

Achieving the Dream

A national non-profit organization focused on advancing community colleges as centers for learning, workforce development, and economic mobility.

Dr. Dawn Lindsay

President of Anne Arundel Community College.

Victor Aigbedion

A Glen Burnie High School student dually enrolled at AACC who became the first high school student ever named a DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream.

Karen A. Stout, Ed.D.

President and CEO of Achieving the Dream.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored to receive recognition for our deep and ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive community. This achievement is a tangible result of our collective effort to support students and remove barriers to their success.”

— Dr. Dawn Lindsay, President of Anne Arundel Community College

“The 2026 Leader Colleges demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success. By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD Network, reflecting the focus, discipline and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.”

— Karen A. Stout, Ed.D., President and CEO of Achieving the Dream

What’s next

AACC will continue to work with Achieving the Dream to further expand access, improve student success strategies, and build institutional capacity as a 2026 Leader College.

The takeaway

AACC's recognition as a 2026 Leader College by Achieving the Dream underscores its commitment to student success and its role as a leader in the community college sector. This achievement demonstrates the college's focus on data-driven decision making, continuous improvement, and deepening its impact in the local community.