2025 WOW Award Recipients
California Virtual Campus – California Community Colleges
The California Virtual Campus (CVC) enables seamless cross-enrollment across more than 100 participating community colleges, allowing students to easily register for fully online courses from any institution in the system. Through innovative technologies, faculty training, and rigorous quality standards like the Peer Online Course Review (POCR), CVC has expanded access, improved online course quality, and advanced equity statewide—especially for rural, working, and underserved students. Its model is now recognized nationally for transforming digital learning at scale.
Colorado Online – Colorado Community College System
Colorado Online unites all 13 colleges in the Colorado Community College System into one statewide online learning platform, giving students access to over 800 courses and complete degree programs regardless of where they live. By consolidating systems, introducing innovative tools like the award-winning Sectionizer for equitable course distribution, and maintaining a continuous improvement model, Colorado Online has removed geographic barriers, expanded access, and improved student success and equity across urban and rural regions alike.
UMGC Reengagement Program – University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC’s Reengagement Program helps adults with prior college credits return and complete their degrees through personalized, data-driven outreach. Combining automation, AI-enhanced messaging, and one-on-one coaching, the initiative has successfully reconnected tens of thousands of students. The program’s latest phase, Reengage 2.0, strengthens operational excellence with new scholarships, peer advising, and enhanced coaching strategies—creating a scalable, student-centered model for persistence and degree completion.
Interactive Video Initiative – University of Phoenix, College of Health Professions
The University of Phoenix’s College of Health Professions replaced traditional textbooks with custom-built interactive videos that align directly with course outcomes and include embedded assessments. This innovative approach dramatically reduced Withdrawal/Fail rates—by up to 85% in some courses—while improving student performance and engagement. By meeting working adult learners where they are with accessible, flexible content, the initiative promotes equity, deeper learning, and more personalized faculty support.
