LAS VEGAS, July 15, 2016 – As policymakers tackle college affordability on the campaign trail leading to November’s election, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is pleased to announce its documentary “No Greater Odds” will be part of the conversation on both sides of the aisle and featured at the Republican and Democratic national conventions this summer.
The College Promise Campaign, a national nonprofit, has organized the July 20 and July 25 viewings, which will take place at community college campuses near the conventions. The screenings will be followed by panel discussions on the value of community colleges and the movement to create College Promise programs, which fund community college tuition and fees for hard working students.
“We are excited to bring the film ‘No Greater Odds’ to the national conventions to help catalyze conversations about community college affordability, access, quality, and completion,” said Martha Kanter, Executive Director of the College Promise Campaign. “The documentary is a powerful testament to the impact community colleges have on students, families, communities, and the nation.”
Innovative Educators, a nationally renowned online professional development provider for academia, is sponsoring both events. “Innovative Educators is honored to support the College of Southern Nevada and the documentary film, ‘No Greater Odds.’”
Cleveland/RNC Event Details
What: A screening of CSN’s “No Greater Odds” followed by a panel discussion focused on the value of community colleges
Who: Scheduled panelists include: Executive Director of tnAchieves Krissy DeAlejandro, Rural Community College Alliance President Randy Smith, Jaklin Guyumjyan, a CSN alumna featured in “No Greater Odds,” and CSN Communications & Government Affairs Director Michael Flores
When: July 20, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Cuyahoga Community College, Metro Campus, Jerry Sue Thornton Center, Ford Room – 2500 East 22nd Street, Cleveland, OH 44115
Philadelphia/DNC Event Details
What: A screening of CSN’s “No Greater Odds” followed by a panel discussion focused on the value of community colleges
Who: Scheduled panelists include: American Federation of Teachers Executive Vice President Mary Cathryn Richter, White House Social Secretary Deesha Dyer, President Donald Generals, Community College of Philadelphia, Monique Makhlouf, a CSN alumna featured in “No Greater Odds,” and CSN Communications & Government Affairs Director Michael Flores
When: July 25, 2 p.m.
Where: The Community College of Philadelphia, Winnett Building, Great Hall – 1700 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
No state or CSN funds were utilized to support these events and CSN officials are grateful to Innovative Educators for making it possible to participate.
Multiple academic conferences nationwide have showcased the CSN documentary this year. The viewings at the political conventions are part of a growing conversation on making postsecondary education more accessible to Americans.
The “No Greater Odds” documentary follows the inspirational stories of five community college students at CSN, who against overwhelming personal and financial obstacles, obtained their college diplomas. CSN is the largest higher education institution in Nevada and the state’s first Hispanic Serving Institution. Approximately 37 percent of CSN’s students receive Pell Grants, the need-based federal grant. CSN’s average independent Pell grant recipient lives on approximately $16,500 a year. Nearly a quarter of its students are first-generation college students, learning to navigate the ropes of higher education on their own.
The film seeks to differentiate community college students from traditional four-year institution students and showcase their diverse, non-traditional needs. The hour-long film documents the struggles of CSN alumni: Barbara Ayarza, a single mom with six children; Carlos Holguin, a first-generation college student; Jaklin Guyumjyan, who immigrated to the United States as a child on Sept. 10th, 2001; Monique Makhlouf, who began working at the age of 15 after her mother broke her back and had her home foreclosed upon while in college; and Tyrone Foster, a sexual assault victim also diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type II. In addition, CSN alumni and faculty filmed and produced the documentary.
To view a trailer of the film, go to www.vimeo.com/nogreaterodds.
About CSN:
Founded in 1971 and educating thousands of students a semester, the College of Southern Nevada (www.csn.edu) is the state’s largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. CSN students can choose from over 150 degree and certificate options in more than 90 areas of study, including 25 degree and certificate programs available entirely online. Students create flexible, personalized schedules, including day, evening, and weekend classes taught on three main campuses and multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada. CSN — your future starts here. CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn.edu/nondiscrimination
About Innovative Educators:
Innovative Educators is a professional development company that partners with institutions of higher education to provide online solutions for students, faculty & staff. Our experience in student affairs, academic affairs, and online learning gives us first-hand knowledge of our partner institutions from a collegial perspective and from a shared vision of helping students succeed, while fostering the goals & mission of the institution.
Innovative Educators was formed in 2004 by three women working in higher education and who now have 55+ years of combined experience at community colleges. We are honored to support the College of Southern Nevada and its film, No Greater Odds.
About The College Promise Campaign:
The College Promise Campaign is a nonpartisan, nonprofit higher education initiative that builds widespread support for funding the first two years of a community college education for all hardworking students. Chaired by Dr. Jill Biden and former Governor Jim Geringer (R-WY), the Campaign works to build broad public support that community college education is an investment in America’s future and a necessary continuation of K-12 education. In the 21st century, a high school diploma is no longer enough to lead Americans to a good job and decent quality of life. CPC is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Learn more about our work at HeadsUpAmerica.us.