Our Summer 2023 issue highlighted the MCC iBelong Student Success Initiative, a common platform for teaching and learning using an iPad Bundle.

As a result of the program’s success, MCC has been named a silver winner of the prestigious Terry O’Banion Award by the National Council on Student Development (NCSD) for iBelong. The annual award honors exceptional college programs throughout the United States for their innovation, impacting student outcomes based on clear data, responding to a significant need, and serving as a model of student development goals.

Patricia Herrera, MCC instructional technologist, who created, planned, and implemented the initiative in collaboration with Alvin Bridges, MCC’s Chief Information Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the college at the 2023 NCSD National Conference held in October in Houston. iBelong provides access to technology tools and resources to be successful. Students are provided with a bundle consisting of an iPad, keyboard, and Apple Pencil, along with easy access to a robust technical support system. Since the program was introduced two years ago, it has proven to be extremely beneficial for students and faculty while demonstrating a cost-savings for the college.

By the end of the 2022-2023 school year, 2,000 students were enrolled in the initiative. For 2023-2024 that number has risen to 4,000. An MCC poll found that 73% of these students are female with 53% having first-generation college student status. An overwhelming majority indicated that the initiative helped improve their learning and is aiding in improved course completion and retention.

iBelong also has support from the faculty, a major component in the initiative’s success. Within the first six-months of the iBelong training period, participation rapidly grew from five faculty members to 50. By the end of the 2022-2023 school year, that number grew to 100. For the 2023-2024 school year, faculty participation is at 110 and continues to increase semester to semester.

“Winning the Terry O’Banion Award means we’re changing education. It means we’re impacting students and that’s what we’re here to do,” Bridges says. “ The coordination and communication between MCC departments has been paramount.”

Herrera says student testimonials show “we are helping them feel like they do belong here at MCC. We’re giving them the affirmation that they’re doing the right thing by pursuing an education, by transforming their lives in their chosen professions. They feel that we value them.”