About AACC

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges.

The association represents more than 1,000 2-year, associate degree-granting institutions and nearly 12 million students. AACC supports practitioners bringing Guided Pathways to their institution, and manages this national website. Learn more about the history of Guided Pathways, and AACC’s role in it’s development on the “History” page.

AACC’s Mission

Building a Nation of Learners by Advancing America’s Community Colleges

This mission statement captures AACC’s commitment to advance the recognition of the role of community colleges in serving society today. By providing advocacy, leadership, and service for community colleges, the association will play a key role in assisting the nation as it passes from the industrial era of the 20th century to the new knowledge-based society of the 21st century.

AACC’s Core Values

  • Integrity: AACC places fairness and honesty at the center of all of its policies and operations.
  • Excellence: AACC provides services and support of the highest quality to its member institutions.
  • Leadership: AACC promotes the development of community college leaders at all levels and creates opportunities for leadership among its staff.
  • Learning: AACC functions as a learning organization, continuously adapting and improving its services for learning in the field and ensuring that staff have the flexibility to meet a wide variety of member needs.
  • Diversity: AACC affirms that diversity is crucial to a democratic society, that diversity enriches the educational experience, and that diversity respects and celebrates differences among institutions and individuals alike.
  • Commitment: AACC advances the community college mission and the success of the students at its member colleges through the dedication of its leadership and staff.
  • Connectedness: AACC fosters a sense of community and responsiveness that supports the ability of its members to network locally, nationally, and internationally, to learn from each other and to leverage their resources for action.

Vision for AACC’s Future

AACC will be a bold leader in creating a nation where all have access to the learning needed to participate productively in their communities and in the economy. Through AACC’s leadership, community colleges will increasingly be recognized as the gateway to the American dream—the learning resource needed to sustain America’s economic viability and productivity.

Learn more on AACC’s website: https://www.aacc.nche.edu/about-us/mission-statement/