In 2000, nearly 5.5 million degree seeking students attended two-year colleges. In the 2010-2011 school year, that figure jumped to more than 8 million, due in part to the economic downturn and steadily rising tuition at four-year colleges and universities. Also, new skill requirements in the job market forced many professionals to seek recertification. Despite historic enrollment gains, about 50 percent of students entering community colleges either drop out or stop taking courses in their first year, according to the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE). That number is improving, but community colleges still need to identify the reasons students drop or stop out to catch those students who are stumbling and guide them toward a degree or professional certification. The institutions that are making the boldest strides share several common elements, including broad support from trustees and teams of executives and faculty and staff who are dedicated to improving completion rates. These advocates share their experiences of what has worked, what has yet to be accomplished, and what challenges lay ahead.