2025 ATD Institutional Designations

Each year, ATD honors Network colleges whose commitment to equitable outcomes has driven substantive improvements for students and their communities. Achieving the Dream’s national college leadership designations will be announced in February at DREAM 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The designations are Leader College, Leader College of Distinction, and the Leah Meyer Austin Award.

Leader College status indicates that every person affiliated with an institution is committed to ensuring access, belonging, and success for all its students. Leader College terms are three years long, after which institutions are eligible to apply for recertification.

Leader College of Distinction report rigorous metrics demonstrating sustained improvements in student outcomes and reduced equity gaps.  Leader College of Distinction terms are three years long, after which institutions are eligible to apply for recertification.

Leah Meyer Austin Award is the highest distinction a college in the Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network can earn. The award annually recognizes an ATD Network institution that has demonstrated outstanding progress in designing a student-focused culture that permeates the whole organization.

Important Dates

Resources and Requirements
Before beginning your online application form, please access the resources provided here to assist you in crafting the strongest submission possible.  

• ATD Institutional Designations Guidance (PDF)
• Data Templates (Excel file)
• Guidance for the President/CEO letter of Support (PDF)
• Guidance for the Evidence of Institutional Transformation (PDF) (Leah Meyer Austin Award Applicants Only)
• Leader College Rubric (PDF)
• Leader College of Distinction Rubric (PDF)
• Leah Meyer Austin Award Rubric (PDF)