The New Innovative Practices in Diversity Award recognizes innovative practices that foster inclusivity. The recognition will provide $4,000 to continue development or promotion of the Be Your Best College Prep Academy.

"Since 2007, the Be Your Best College Prep Academy at Riverland Community College has provided programming for youth from underserved and underrepresented which has had increased high school graduation rates, increased access to higher education and improved academic skills," said Whitney Stewart Harris, executive director of Diversity and Multiculturalism, in her notification letter. Riverland's "outstanding leadership in improving access and retention for these communities is a leading innovative practice in diversity, and we are happy to see [Be Your Best College Prep Academy] receive the systemwide recognition [they] have earned by [their] diligent work."

The purpose of ?Be Your Best? is to help the students improve college reading, writing and math skills; learn study skills, self concept, self efficacy and learning style; explore effective workplace relationships, analyze perceptions, attitudes and behavior in the job place; develop effective oral communications in the job place. It also introduces students to college life. They select and confirm an educational/occupational area of interest, develop an educational plan and explore financial aid opportunities.

"Be Your Best is a successful example of how Riverland is addressing the changing demographics of our communities in collaboration with area high schools," said Danielle Heiny, Riverland's director of admissions. "The Hormel Foundation and APEX Austin have been instrumental in making the program possible. Our faculty and student services staff deserve credit for making the program so successful. It's rewarding and inspiring to see the graduates of the program enrolling in Riverland to continue their education."

Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is a regional comprehensive community college inspiring learning for living through a personalized educational environment. Approximately 4,000 students are served, annually, through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities. An additional 5,600 students are annually served in non-credit courses. Facilities are located in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Minn. Riverland may be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 250,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 140,000 students in non-credit courses.

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