SE Valley Times

Rio Salado College has announced a partnership with InsideTrack to provide personalized coaching for over 6,000 adult education students. This initiative is designed to improve student retention and career success pathways.

The collaboration began with foundational coach training from February 11-13 for 25 employees in Rio Salado's Adult Education department. These trainees will apply their new skills in interactions with students. Additionally, five staff members will receive further training to become certified coach trainers, who will lead future workshops and ensure the sustainability of the coaching program.

InsideTrack's evidence-based coaching methods are at the core of this initiative, helping learners overcome obstacles to complete high school equivalency diplomas and pursue meaningful careers.

“This program aligns with our commitment to providing every learner with the tools and support they need to succeed,” said Rio Salado President Dr. Kate Smith. “By bringing research supported coaching into our adult education services, we’re helping students who often face challenges realize their full potential and take the next steps in their educational and career journeys.”

Ruth Bauer White, president at InsideTrack, stated: “Our collaboration with Rio Salado College is a testament to the power of coaching to transform lives by empowering social mobility. Together, we’re not only building capacity to support Arizona students today but also creating a sustainable coaching model for the future.”

Dr. Tamara Cochran, Dean of Instruction and Community Development at Rio Salado College, commented on the college’s dedication: “This initiative underscores the college’s ongoing dedication to innovation, access, and student success. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on Rio’s adult learners and sharing those stories with the community.”

Following initial training sessions, coaches will continue receiving virtual support sessions aimed at refining their guidance techniques for student program completion.

Melinda Stanley, a senior instructor at Rio Salado who participated in last week's training remarked: “As an instructor, Inside Track is an important pathway to welcome a high risk population of students back to education. This program builds a positive and productive environment that develops a student’s knowledge, skills, and beliefs to support them in the moment and into the future.”

Rio Salado College serves more than 35,000 students annually across various programs including online classes and adult education services as part of Maricopa Community Colleges network.

InsideTrack has been working since 2001 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering learners through coaching partnerships with numerous institutions nationwide.