FLAGSTAFF, AZ — Coconino Community College was recently ranked 29th in the country as a top associate degree producer for Native Americans students. The College jumped 20 spots compared to last year. The designation comes from Community College Week, a national magazine.

"Our students should be congratulated on their achievement," said Veronica Hipolito, CCC's Director of Student Services. "The rankings reflect the positive outcomes that can be achieved with the combination of student effort, quality instruction and student services support."

CCC's Office of Student Services provides a support system for all students, including advising to help students set goals, plan their degree and select courses, Hipolito said.

There are also a variety of programs at the College that work toward retaining students through individualized support, including the TRiO program, tutoring services, disability resources and the Passages program, which provides assistance to single parents and displaced homemakers.

The College rose 20 spots to No. 29 from No. 49 last year.

Community College Week magazine analyzed degrees and certificates conferred during the 2011-12 academic year, then broke it down across various race/ethnicity categories and also academic disciplines. Institutions that grant associate degrees, including two-year and four-year institutions were used for the Top 100 rankings. There are more than 1,655 community colleges across the United States.

This year's Top 100 analysis examines degrees and certificates conferred during the 2011-12 academic year.

Community College Week provides in-depth analysis of issues, trends and news impacting two-year educational institutes. The complete list of rankings can be seen at Community College Week.

About Coconino Community College
Coconino Community College (CCC) is an educational institution based in Flagstaff, Arizona that provides more than 60 certificate programs and two-year degrees in various fields including nursing, fire science, law enforcement and child development. Established in 1991, CCC has served the residents of Coconino County for more than 20 years, and helped create the region's skilled workforce, which is improving the overall health and safety of the community.

During its 20 years of operation, CCC has experienced tremendous growth. In 1991 approximately 1,000 students attended the college, and today nearly 10,000 learners enroll in credit courses, life-long learning classes and corporate training sessions each year.

CCC operates three campuses-Flagstaff Lone Tree Campus; Flagstaff Fourth Street Campus and Page/Lake Powell Campus-and also offers classes in Fredonia, Grand Canyon/Tusayan and Tuba City. The College offers campus, online and interactive TV courses, most of which are transferable to four-year universities. For more information about CCC, visit www.coconino.edu.