[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 140 (Thursday, September 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING ODESSA COLLEGE'S DESIGN FOR COMPLETION PROGRAM

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                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2016

  Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Odessa College 
for being named a Finalist in Excelencia in Education. This honor was 
bestowed on Odessa College for their work in raising retention rates 
through their Design for Completion program.
   Starting in 2011, Odessa College created a framework to provide 
meaningful connections and engagements between their students and 
faculty. Design for Completion is focused on the student and their 
success in the classroom and beyond. This initiative places students on 
a distinct and coherent pathway that provides the necessary support and 
resources vital to their collegiate careers.
   Since implementing Design for Completion, retention and student 
success rates have dramatically increased across campus, especially 
among Hispanic students. Through this program, Odessa College has 
instilled confidence in their students by showing them that they can 
accomplish any goal that they set out to conquer. Odessa College hopes 
that this program serves as a model that other higher education 
institutions can use to help other students succeed in their academic 
studies.
   A strong education system contributes greatly to the success and 
growth of our country, and is the key to not only our individual 
achievement, but also to our competitiveness as a nation. Programs like 
Design for Completion helps our nation achieve these goals and reach 
our fullest potential. I am honored to have the opportunity to 
represent Odessa College and wish them continued success.

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