FCTech aims to deliver transformative technical and trade education for economic advancement, with a focus on accessibility for students who might not otherwise attend college. As a federally designated Minority and Hispanic Serving Institution, FY23 student demographics include 75% racial/ethnic minorities (30% Latinx, 29% Black), 50% first generation college students, and 50% immigrants or children of immigrants. Most students come from low-income backgrounds, with an average annual household income of $35,304.

A strong foundational knowledge of mathematics is key to student success, especially as career pathways evolve with changing technology.  Analysis in FY23 revealed that Math courses at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (FCTech) have the highest drop/fail/withdraw (DFW) rates compared to other subjects. Math is required for all credentials, and students’ math achievement strongly correlates to their likelihood of graduation. Black and Latino students face significantly higher DFW rates, indicating disparities among ethnic and racial groups. In collaboration with Axim, FCTech plans to redesign math courses to reduce DFW rates and address achievement gaps among Black, Latinx, and multi-ethnic students.